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78% of Indian employees to put family ahead of careers in 2025, a survey reveals

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ISN Team
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Indian employees to put family ahead of careers in 2025

Indian employees are reprioritising their personal lives ahead of professional ambitions, with 78% saying they plan to spend more time with spouses, children and parents over advancing their careers in 2025, according to Indeed’s first-ever Future Career Resolution survey. 

The study, which covered over 2,500 respondents in India as part of a 6,100-person snapshot across key Asia-Pacific markets, underscores growing concern about quality of life and mental well-being in an inflationary environment.

Employees turning up for part-time gigs

As households in major cities grapple with rising costs, the data shows that 41% of India’s urban workforce has turned to part-time gigs for extra income. 

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Still, the push for bigger paychecks isn’t necessarily driving employees toward leadership roles. Instead, many Indians aspire to stable, well-paying jobs that come with solid benefits and allow for a better balance between work and home. 

Rachael Townsley, marketing director for Australia, India and Singapore at Indeed, noted that although climbing the corporate ladder remains attractive to some, “the dream career for most isn’t about moving up the ladder — it’s about feeling secure, being paid fairly, and having benefits that actually make a difference.”

"It’s a reminder that creating workplaces where people feel supported in both their work and personal lives isn’t just nice to have – it’s essential for helping people thrive," Townsley added.

India’s evolving job market

The report also highlights strong confidence in India’s evolving job market, with more than half of respondents expecting opportunities to grow in emerging fields. A sizable proportion of the workforce, 55%, sees potential in AI and other technology-enabled industries.

Workers are investing in “future-proof” skills such as data literacy, machine learning and emotional intelligence to stay competitive. Meanwhile, nearly six in 10 believe hiring will focus more on demonstrable skill sets than formal degrees, a trend that’s aligned with rapid shifts in tech-driven sectors.

Financial security and family time

The study’s broader comparisons across Singapore, Australia and Japan show some regional parallels—particularly the desire for higher income—and a shared emphasis on meaningful work. In Japan, nearly one-quarter of respondents rank “earning more while doing what they love” as a top priority. But for India, financial security and time with family are front and centre, reflecting a need for adaptability amid global economic uncertainties.

The Indeed survey, which was conducted by Valuvox between December 2024 and January 2025, included participants ranging from recent graduates to experienced professionals.

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