The Indian job market has undergone a significant transformation in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. With various sectors experiencing distinct impacts, the pandemic prompted many companies to adopt remote work models, exposing employees to the benefits of flexibility. Consequently, the allure of traditional job perks has waned as job seekers increasingly prioritize flexibility and work-life balance.
A recent survey, titled ‘The Job Search Process: A Look from the Inside Out’ and conducted by Indeed, offers valuable insights into the evolving preferences and priorities of job seekers in light of the global economic shifts brought on by the pandemic. The survey underscores the key factors that job seekers value and highlights the challenges they encounter in their quest for meaningful employment.
When evaluating job opportunities, Indian job seekers have reassessed their priorities, ranking the following elements as of paramount importance:
1. Work Flexibility: A significant 71% of Indian job seekers prioritize work flexibility, which includes the freedom to work remotely, set their own work hours, and take breaks as needed.
2. Work Modes: Following closely, 70% of job seekers consider the different work modes, such as hybrid or remote work arrangements, that cater to their preferences.
3. Job Location: Approximately 69% of job seekers in India factor in the distance between the job location and their home or current workplace.
4. Compensation and Benefits: The compensation package offered by the job is a critical consideration for 67% of Indian job seekers. This encompasses not only salary but also benefits, health insurance, family leave policies, and opportunities for learning and development.
Interestingly, the survey reveals that a majority of job seekers (63%) lean towards a hybrid work model. This arrangement allows them to work remotely on designated days and from the office on others. Larger organizations are better positioned to provide this desired flexibility, with 51% of employers indicating their capacity to accommodate such arrangements.
Sashi Kumar, head of sales at Indeed India, highlights the importance of aligning with job seekers’ evolving needs and preferences to foster growth and collaboration. He emphasizes the dynamic nature of the modern work environment, urging employers to adapt and customize their offerings to attract and retain top talent.
Transparency and effective communication during the application and interview processes emerge as crucial factors. Job seekers express concerns about fairness, potential bias, and a clear understanding of the role and selection process. In response, clear and comprehensive job descriptions and transparent communication can significantly improve mutual understanding and expedite the hiring process. The survey also suggests that employers who share their contact information on platforms like Indeed can streamline the communication process and facilitate quicker responses.
The survey also delves into the preferences of blue-collar workers. An overwhelming 82% of such workers prioritize fair compensation when considering job opportunities. Given the nature of their roles, a significant percentage also place emphasis on physical safety (73%) and strive to minimize both physical and psychological stress in the workplace (49%). Additionally, 72% of blue-collar job seekers find straightforward language in job descriptions to be immensely helpful during the job search process.
The survey, conducted in May 2023, garnered insights from a diverse pool of participants, including 561 employers and 1,249 job seekers, totaling 1,810 individuals. The survey was carried out by Valuvox Research on behalf of Indeed, offering a comprehensive glimpse into the evolving job market dynamics in India’s post-pandemic landscape.
