Indians prioritise work-life balance, willing to quit inflexible jobs: Survey
Bengaluru: Amid discussions on the 90-hour workweek, a Randstad survey reveals that 52% of Indian workers would quit a job lacking flexibility—significantly higher than the global average of 31%.
According to Randstad India's Workmonitor 2025 study, 60% of respondents would leave a job if they did not get along with their manager. The survey, released on Tuesday, also found that 58% of Indian workers (compared to 44% globally) have left jobs due to toxic workplaces, while 53% (compared to 27% globally) quit because they felt uncomfortable expressing their opinions.
Viswanath PS, MD & CEO of Randstad India, stated, “Flexibility is no longer a perk but a baseline expectation across all age groups. Whether it’s Gen Z entering the workforce, millennials balancing career and family, or Gen X in leadership roles, everyone values the ability to work on their own terms.” He emphasised that organisations must integrate flexibility into work design or risk losing talent to more progressive workplaces.
The survey highlights a shift in workplace priorities, with traditional motivators like salary being replaced by factors such as flexibility, a sense of belonging, and learning and development (L&D) opportunities. Around 69% of Indian workers prioritise a sense of belonging (compared to 55% globally), and 67% would leave a job without L&D opportunities (compared to 41% globally). With AI adoption on the rise, 43% of Indian employees consider AI training a crucial skill.
Demand for flexible working hours is higher in India across all generations than the global average. Gen Z (62% vs. 45% globally) seeks flexibility due to digital-first job markets, long commutes, and intense competition. Millennials (66% vs. 39% globally) value it for work-life balance, especially childcare and family responsibilities. Gen X (65% vs. 25% globally) prioritises it to manage strategic roles alongside personal well-being.
Unlike global markets where hybrid work is well-established, India's work culture, infrastructure challenges, and deep-rooted family responsibilities make flexibility essential rather than optional, the survey noted.
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4 workers die after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad
Dhanbad (Jharkhand) (PTI): At least four workers died after being buried under coal slurry in Jharkhand's Dhanbad district on Saturday, a police official said.
The incident took place at Moonidih coal washery in the command area of Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL).
"Bodies of all four workers were dug out of debris during a rescue operation," Putki police station in-charge Waqar Hussain told PTI.
The incident took place when coal slurry was being loaded into trucks by workers, during which a large chunk of slurry fell and trapped several workers underneath, officials said.
The deceased have been identified as Manik Bauri, Dinesh Bauri, Deepak Bauri, and Hemlal Gope.
Meanwhile, the family members of the deceased and local villagers placed the bodies in front of the washery gate and began a protest.
They demanded compensation, jobs for dependents and action against those responsible for the incident.
Police and administration officials are trying to pacify the protesters, an official said.
