[ad_1]
As the dynamics of the modern workplace continue to evolve, Indian professionals are rewriting the rules of what they expect from a job. Gone are the days when hefty paychecks alone could seal the deal. Today’s workforce is making it clear: a healthy work-life balance is just as important as a fat salary.According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26 by Great Learning, a striking 82% of professionals in India now prioritise work-life balance alongside financial compensation. This shift in mindset reflects broader changes in professional aspirations, wellbeing standards, and how individuals envision long-term career satisfaction.
Beyond the paycheck: The pursuit of balance
The report shows that 51% of professionals are actively seeking new job opportunities, while another 31% are passively exploring better roles. Interestingly, those aged 45–60 are less inclined to make a switch, with only 39% actively job hunting. But among this group, a telling trend has emerged: 26% rate work-life balance above salary, underlining a significant generational shift in workplace values.While the demand for better compensation remains a strong motivator, the call for flexibility, mental wellbeing, and manageable workloads is rising rapidly. Employees aren’t just job hopping for higher pay—they’re hunting for a life that fits around their careers, not the other way around.
AI, confidence, and new workplace realities
In a surprising contrast to rising layoffs and automation anxieties, job retention confidence has increased. The Great Learning report reveals that 73% of professionals feel secure in their current roles, an 11% jump from last year. However, this optimism is uneven:
- 31% of professionals in Tier-1 cities say they’re “extremely confident” in their
job security . - In comparison, only 18% in Tier-2 cities express the same level of confidence.
- Company size also plays a role—85% in large firms (5,000+ employees) are confident, while just 58% in small companies feel the same.
Despite looming AI disruptions, professionals are surprisingly positive about its impact. A strong 78% believe AI will benefit their careers, especially among MBA (89%) and B.Com (84%) graduates. On the other hand, BE/BTech professionals remain more cautious, perhaps due to slower hiring trends in the tech sector amid automation waves.
Upskilling is the power move
A common theme tying all these trends together is the rising importance of upskilling. For the upcoming financial year, 85% of professionals surveyed see upskilling as vital to their career growth, while 81% plan to invest in new technical abilities. The top skills in demand? Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Development, and Cybersecurity—fields aligned with future-ready roles.There’s also a noticeable shift toward shorter, cost-effective certificate programs over traditional Master’s degrees. These allow professionals to learn while working and provide quicker returns on investment.Despite the growing enthusiasm for learning new skills, several challenges continue to stand in the way. According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26:
- 37% of professionals struggle to find time for upskilling due to demanding work schedules.
- Women face a disproportionate share of family responsibilities, with 25% citing it as a major hurdle—compared to 20% of men.
- Affordability remains a concern for early-career professionals, with 8% saying that the cost of upskilling programs limits their participation.
These insights underline the need for more flexible, inclusive, and cost-effective learning solutions that can support professionals across different life stages and responsibilities.
A future built on balance and growth
The Great Learning Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26 paints a clear picture: professionals want it all—fair pay, career growth, and personal wellbeing. Employers who hope to attract and retain top talent must meet these evolving expectations by offering flexible work cultures, competitive compensation, and continuous learning opportunities.In a world where burnout is real and skills can go obsolete fast, the modern job seeker isn’t chasing money alone—they’re designing careers that support a full, balanced life.
[ad_2]
Source link
About the author
5 motivational quotes for Engineering aspirants
[ad_1] Engineering represents one of humanity's most transformative disciplines, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical innovation. For students embarking upon engineering careers, the journey can appear unnerving, filled with challenging mathematics, rigorous problem-solving, and seemingly insurmountable technical challenges. Through the folds of time and engineering marvels, legendary figures have shared profound insights that illuminate the true spirit of engineering and inspire the next generation of innovators.These 5 carefully selected quotes from renowned scientists, inventors, and engineers offer guidance, motivation, and perspective for aspiring engineers navigating their educational and professional journeys.1. Albert Einstein: The creator's mindset"Scientists investigate that which already is; engineers create that which has never been."Albert Einstein's observation captures the fundamental distinction between scientific inquiry and engineering practice. Whilst scientists seek to understand the natural world's existing phenomena, engineers harness this knowledge to forge entirely new solutions. […]
What AI can’t replace: Building 8 human skills that will still matter a decade later
[ad_1] As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine job roles, there is growing concern among students and early-career professionals about their place in the workforce of the future. With generative AI writing code, drafting reports, analyzing data, and even performing creative tasks, it is easy to question what skills will remain uniquely human—and therefore, professionally valuable. Yet, despite its speed and scale, AI remains limited in fundamental ways. It lacks empathy, ethics, cultural context, and the nuanced reasoning that underpins human judgment. The future of work will not be a contest between humans and machines, but a reorientation of roles—where technology handles the repetitive and the mechanical, and humans focus on the complex, interpersonal, and moral dimensions of work.The following eight skills are expected to retain their relevance well into the next decade. For students and professionals alike, […]
18 universities back Harvard as Trump’s funding freeze hits student research
[ad_1] In an extraordinary show of academic solidarity, 18 leading universities — including five Ivy League schools and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — have announced plans to back Harvard University in its legal battle against the Trump administration’s freeze on nearly $3 billion in federal research funding.The coordinated move marks a rare intervention by peer institutions in a politically charged standoff, reflecting deep concerns within the academic community about the future of research funding and institutional autonomy in the United States.National stakes in a campus fightThe Trump administration's decision to cut billions in research grants to Harvard has triggered alarm bells across academia. Although the action was initially targeted at a single university, institutions nationwide are warning that the implications stretch far beyond Cambridge.The 18 universities — many of them major recipients of federal research grants themselves — have […]
CCMT round 1 seat allotment 2025 released for MTech, MPlan, MArch admissions: Check direct link here
[ad_1] The Centralized Counselling for M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. Admissions (CCMT) 2025 Round 1 seat allotment result has been announced on June 9 at the official website – ccmt.admissions.nic.in. Candidates who participated in the counselling process based on their GATE scores can now check their allotment status by logging in with their credentials. CCMT is a common platform for admission into postgraduate programs offered by NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutes across India. The seat allotment process is based on GATE scores, preferences submitted by candidates, and seat availability. Shortlisted candidates must complete fee payment, upload required documents, and indicate their willingness (freeze, float, or slide) by the specified deadline. Failure to complete these steps may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.How to check CCMT round 1 seat allotment?Candidates who participated in CCMT counselling round 1 can check the seat allotment […]
Harvard scrambles to safeguard International students amid Trump-era visa crackdown
[ad_1] हार्वर्ड यूनिवर्सिटी (harvard.edu) Harvard University is actively engaging with prominent domestic and international institutions, such as the University of Chicago and the London Business School, to find alternative arrangements for its international students who may soon face legal barriers to remaining in the United States, according to media reports. This urgent initiative arises amid intensifying visa restrictions linked to the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. With nearly 27% of its student body coming from abroad, Harvard is racing against time to establish contingency plans to protect its global community and ensure continuity in their education.Facing mounting visa restrictions and administrative blocks, the Ivy League institution is racing against time to create a safety net for its global student population, which makes up approximately 27% of its enrolled body, according to media reports.Trump’s policy crackdown sparks alarmThe recent wave of […]
Work-life balance and big salary: How today’s job seekers are prioritising both
[ad_1] As the dynamics of the modern workplace continue to evolve, Indian professionals are rewriting the rules of what they expect from a job. Gone are the days when hefty paychecks alone could seal the deal. Today’s workforce is making it clear: a healthy work-life balance is just as important as a fat salary.According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26 by Great Learning, a striking 82% of professionals in India now prioritise work-life balance alongside financial compensation. This shift in mindset reflects broader changes in professional aspirations, wellbeing standards, and how individuals envision long-term career satisfaction.Beyond the paycheck: The pursuit of balanceThe report shows that 51% of professionals are actively seeking new job opportunities, while another 31% are passively exploring better roles. Interestingly, those aged 45–60 are less inclined to make a switch, with only 39% actively job hunting. But […]
Related
5 motivational quotes for Engineering aspirants
[ad_1] Engineering represents one of humanity's most transformative disciplines, bridging the gap between scientific discovery and practical innovation. For students embarking upon engineering careers, the journey can appear unnerving, filled with challenging mathematics, rigorous problem-solving, and seemingly insurmountable technical challenges. Through the folds of time and engineering marvels, legendary figures have shared profound insights that illuminate the true spirit of engineering and inspire the next generation of innovators.These 5 carefully selected quotes from renowned scientists, inventors, and engineers offer guidance, motivation, and perspective for aspiring engineers navigating their educational and professional journeys.1. Albert Einstein: The creator's mindset"Scientists investigate that which already is; engineers create that which has never been."Albert Einstein's observation captures the fundamental distinction between scientific inquiry and engineering practice. Whilst scientists seek to understand the natural world's existing phenomena, engineers harness this knowledge to forge entirely new solutions. […]
What AI can’t replace: Building 8 human skills that will still matter a decade later
[ad_1] As artificial intelligence continues to reshape industries and redefine job roles, there is growing concern among students and early-career professionals about their place in the workforce of the future. With generative AI writing code, drafting reports, analyzing data, and even performing creative tasks, it is easy to question what skills will remain uniquely human—and therefore, professionally valuable. Yet, despite its speed and scale, AI remains limited in fundamental ways. It lacks empathy, ethics, cultural context, and the nuanced reasoning that underpins human judgment. The future of work will not be a contest between humans and machines, but a reorientation of roles—where technology handles the repetitive and the mechanical, and humans focus on the complex, interpersonal, and moral dimensions of work.The following eight skills are expected to retain their relevance well into the next decade. For students and professionals alike, […]
18 universities back Harvard as Trump’s funding freeze hits student research
[ad_1] In an extraordinary show of academic solidarity, 18 leading universities — including five Ivy League schools and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) — have announced plans to back Harvard University in its legal battle against the Trump administration’s freeze on nearly $3 billion in federal research funding.The coordinated move marks a rare intervention by peer institutions in a politically charged standoff, reflecting deep concerns within the academic community about the future of research funding and institutional autonomy in the United States.National stakes in a campus fightThe Trump administration's decision to cut billions in research grants to Harvard has triggered alarm bells across academia. Although the action was initially targeted at a single university, institutions nationwide are warning that the implications stretch far beyond Cambridge.The 18 universities — many of them major recipients of federal research grants themselves — have […]
CCMT round 1 seat allotment 2025 released for MTech, MPlan, MArch admissions: Check direct link here
[ad_1] The Centralized Counselling for M.Tech./M.Arch./M.Plan. Admissions (CCMT) 2025 Round 1 seat allotment result has been announced on June 9 at the official website – ccmt.admissions.nic.in. Candidates who participated in the counselling process based on their GATE scores can now check their allotment status by logging in with their credentials. CCMT is a common platform for admission into postgraduate programs offered by NITs, IIITs, and other centrally funded institutes across India. The seat allotment process is based on GATE scores, preferences submitted by candidates, and seat availability. Shortlisted candidates must complete fee payment, upload required documents, and indicate their willingness (freeze, float, or slide) by the specified deadline. Failure to complete these steps may lead to cancellation of the allotted seat.How to check CCMT round 1 seat allotment?Candidates who participated in CCMT counselling round 1 can check the seat allotment […]
Harvard scrambles to safeguard International students amid Trump-era visa crackdown
[ad_1] हार्वर्ड यूनिवर्सिटी (harvard.edu) Harvard University is actively engaging with prominent domestic and international institutions, such as the University of Chicago and the London Business School, to find alternative arrangements for its international students who may soon face legal barriers to remaining in the United States, according to media reports. This urgent initiative arises amid intensifying visa restrictions linked to the Trump administration’s stringent immigration policies. With nearly 27% of its student body coming from abroad, Harvard is racing against time to establish contingency plans to protect its global community and ensure continuity in their education.Facing mounting visa restrictions and administrative blocks, the Ivy League institution is racing against time to create a safety net for its global student population, which makes up approximately 27% of its enrolled body, according to media reports.Trump’s policy crackdown sparks alarmThe recent wave of […]
IGNOU ODL, Online Admissions 2025: Registration begins for July session, check direct link to apply here
[ad_1] The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has officially opened the registration portal for admissions to its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online programmes for the July 2025 session. Aspiring candidates from across the country can now apply for a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses offered by the university in both distance and online learning modes.This admission process caters to a diverse set of learners, including working professionals, homemakers, and students seeking flexible learning opportunities. IGNOU’s programmes are especially designed to support lifelong learning and provide access to quality higher education at an affordable cost. With its learner-centric approach and extensive support system, IGNOU continues to be one of the largest open universities in the world.Steps to apply for IGNOU July 2025 sessionThe registration process for the July 2025 session is now live on […]
Be the first to leave a comment