Dubai: Nearly 50% of Indian employees are looking to leave their current jobs, driven by rising dissatisfaction and stress, according to Gallup’s latest ‘State of the Global Workplace 2025 Report’. The global analytics and advisory firm, known for its workplace and public opinion research, paints a concerning picture of employee well-being in India.
South Asia among the most stressed regions
The report highlights that South Asia — comprising India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan — has the world’s lowest percentage of thriving employees. It also records the highest levels of daily anger and stress among workers, outpacing regions like Europe, sub-Saharan Africa, and even the United States and Canada.
Stress, anger, and a lack of engagement
In India alone, 30% of employees report facing daily stress at work, while 34% admit to feeling anger regularly — a stark indicator of poor emotional well-being at the workplace. Gallup attributes this to high workloads, lack of managerial support, and uninspiring work environments.
The report also shows that employee engagement — a measure of enthusiasm and involvement at work — is slipping. Globally, engagement dropped from 23% to 21% in 2024, contributing to an estimated $438 billion in lost productivity. In India, the decline is sharper, with engagement falling from 33% to 30%.
A warning for employers
The most alarming statistic: nearly one in two Indian employees are actively seeking new opportunities, signalling deep dissatisfaction with current employers. This growing intent to quit is driven by burnout, poor leadership, and lack of recognition, Gallup notes.
With workplace stress and emotional disengagement at such high levels, the report serves as a wake-up call for Indian companies. Employers must now urgently rethink their workplace culture, leadership strategies, and employee support systems to retain talent and restore morale.