Bangalore, 29 January 2025 — A significant shift is underway in the priorities of Indian employees, with nearly four in five (78%) stating they aim to prioritize family time with spouses, children and parents over career advancement in 2025, according to Indeed’s inaugural Future Career Resolution survey. This study, which explores employee aspirations for 2025 across key APAC markets—including India, Singapore, Australia, and Japan—reveals a growing focus on work-life harmony which is about more than just shorter hours. Employees want less stress and more focus on mental well-being while being in well-paid jobs that they enjoy and offer flexibility for family and personal interests.
Additionally, over one in four (27%) Indian employees have identified increasing their earning capacity as their top resolution for 2025. Many employees are also feeling the financial pinch as inflation continues to outpace salary growth, with respondents stating not having a competitive salary as the biggest obstacle. In metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai, the escalating cost of living has driven a substantial portion of the workforce to seek additional sources of income. In fact, 41% of workers are already exploring or engaging in side gigs to maintain financial stability and offset the rising expenses. Interestingly, despite the desire to earn more, many employees are less inclined toward pursuing leadership roles. Instead, the ideal career for Indian employees in 2025 includes stability, fair pay, and good benefits
“We’re definitely seeing a shift in what matters to Indian workers,” said Rachael Townsley, Marketing Director (Australia, India & Singapore) at Indeed. “More and more, people are telling us they want to find a better balance between work and home life. While earning more is important, 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.”
Confidence in the job market, potential of AI and hiring strategies
Alongside these evolving priorities, Indian employees remain optimistic about the job market. Over half (55%) express confidence in the expansion of opportunities in emerging sectors and industries. In preparation, employees are actively working to build diverse skill sets and are staying flexible and open to new job opportunities or relocations.
This optimism extends to the adoption of advanced technologies, with 55% of respondents expressing confidence in the growing potential of AI and tech-driven fields. Key skills identified for career advancement in 2025 include emotional intelligence and conflict resolution, data literacy and analytical abilities and advanced technology competencies such as AI, machine learning, and coding.
59% of Indian employees also expect to see a shift in hiring practices, with a stronger focus on skills-based recruitment over traditional degree-based qualifications. This trend reflects the growing demand for job roles in emerging industries such as technology and AI, where practical expertise and hands-on skills often outweigh formal educational credentials. Employers are increasingly valuing candidates who can demonstrate adaptability and specialized skills relevant to rapidly evolving fields, signaling a transformation in how talent is identified and developed.
Career aspirations in India vs APAC
When compared to other countries in APAC, there are some similarities and differences. Close to one-third of Australia’s workers 29% and 24% of Singapore’s workers rank increasing their earning capacity as their primary career resolution for 2025, similar to India. Almost one in five of Japan’s workers (19%) shared having the same goal, though that is not the top priority. However, workers in Singapore, Australia, and Japan are seeking meaning in their work alongside higher salaries in 2025. This aspiration is strongest in Japan, where 23% of workers ranked earning more while doing what they love as a top priority.
These variations reflect diverse work cultures and economic conditions. While India’s focus on stability and financial growth signals a preference for resilience amid uncertainty, the emphasis on meaningful work in other markets highlights a growing trend of aligning personal values with professional goals.
Methodology
This survey was conducted by Valuvox on behalf of Indeed between December 2024 and January 2025, reaching 6,126 employees and job seekers across Singapore, India, Japan, and Australia. The participants were evenly divided by age and by career stage, ranging from fresh graduates to senior professionals. The sample sizes included 2,507 respondents from India and 1,211, 1,206, and 1,202 respondents each from Singapore, Australia, and Japan respectively.