New Delhi: A new study has revealed that 97% of Gen Z and Millennial employees in India are willing to take a pay cut for a better work relationship. This study, called the HP Work Relationship Index, found that Indian knowledge workers are the happiest at work compared to their global counterparts. In fact, 50% of Indian knowledge workers reported a sense of workplace contentment, while only 27% of the global workforce reported a healthy relationship with work.
“We’re seeing a major change in what matters most to India’s workforce. They’re seeking job satisfaction through flexibility, mental well-being, effective leadership, and the right tools,” said Gurpreet Singh Brar, Vice President, HP India market.
The study surveyed over 15,600 respondents, including knowledge workers, IT decision-makers, and business leaders in 12 countries, with a sample size of over 1,300 respondents in India.
The study identified six key drivers of a thriving work relationship: fulfillment, leadership, people-centricity, skills, tools, and workspace. India excelled particularly in fulfillment and skills aspects. Additionally, 78% of knowledge workers in India reported increased expectations regarding their relationship with work in the past 2-3 years.
The study also found that only two in five knowledge workers feel confident that their company can provide them with the right tools to support hybrid work. About 80% of respondents mentioned the importance of encouraging open emotional communication within the workplace.
Business leaders also agreed, with 76% saying that emotional intelligence is vital for leadership success, and 90% think that showing empathy matters. However, a significant gap exists as nearly half (47%) of knowledge workers feel that their company’s leaders are not meeting their emotional expectations.
