HR Policies and Trends News, Updates Online - The Economic Times
India's green sector is poised for substantial growth, projecting 7.29 million jobs by FY28 and 35 million by 2047, driven by investments in renewable energy, EVs, and sustainable practices. While metros lead, tier II and III cities will host a significant portion of these jobs.
In May, the job landscape for white-collar professionals in India remained steady. The Naukri JobSpeak Index indicated a modest uptick, signaling positive trends. Roles in AI and machine learning surged, particularly in urban centers like Delhi NCR and Chennai. There was a strong demand for experienced professionals, especially within the oil and gas and real estate sectors.
India faces a critical juncture with AI's rapid integration, balancing economic growth and potential job displacement. HR leaders must champion responsible AI adoption, focusing on human skills like judgment and empathy alongside technological advancements. Prioritising reskilling, ethical AI usage, and corporate-academia partnerships is crucial to harness India's demographic dividend and build a human-centric future.
Despite recent layoffs impacting software engineers, Microsoft's Aparna Chennapragada insists coding remains vital. She views AI as an evolution, not a replacement, suggesting engineers will transition into "software operators." While AI automates tasks, particularly in idea generation, project management roles may shift towards taste-making and editing, reflecting Microsoft's investment in AI infrastructure.
India's employment market anticipates a workforce expansion of 2.8% in the first half of FY26, a decrease from the previous period's 7.1%. Economic factors are driving companies to prioritize cost efficiency and skills-based growth. Flexi-staffing and the gig economy are gaining traction, with automotive, EV, e-commerce, and tech startups leading workforce growth.
India's booming electronics manufacturing sector, a Make-in-India success, faces a critical manpower shortage across all levels, especially in the AI-driven smartphone industry. A projected 10 million skill gap looms by FY28, driven by technology adoption and the end of PLI benefits.
A new survey reveals a significant disparity in mental health consultations. Women in corporate India are three times more likely than men to seek support. The report by ekincare highlights a generational shift. Gen Z employees are more open to mental health services. Personal stress is the primary driver for consultations. Healthcare and pharma sectors show the highest engagement.
A recent report indicates a shift in employee priorities, with 74% favoring stronger long-term benefits over a slightly higher salary. The study, encompassing 1,139 employees, reveals that only 32% feel their current benefits adequately support their financial well-being. Flexible work options and performance-based incentives are also highly valued for their positive impact on financial stability.
India's semiconductor design GCCs experienced a 15% dip in job openings during 2024-25 due to geopolitical uncertainties and supply chain issues. While open positions peaked in May 2024, they gradually declined, though demand for niche skills like VLSI remained strong. Despite short-term fluctuations, a positive long-term outlook is expected due to increased focus on supply chain resilience and government initiatives.
Formal job creation under the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) rose 5.79% month-on-month in March 2025, reaching 1.63 million new employees compared to 1.54 million in February, according to provisional payroll data from the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Udayan Dutt, previously VP-HR at Reckitt Benckiser, will assume the role of president-group HR at RPG Group on June 2, 2025. He succeeds S Venkatesh, with Harsh Goenka's active involvement in the selection. Dutt brings over 25 years of HR experience, including a decade at Unilever, to further enhance RPG's people-centric culture.
A recent report indicates that a significant portion of Indian job seekers lack adequate interview preparation, hindering their potential. Only 32% feel prepared, highlighting a confidence gap despite numerous job opportunities. The report emphasizes the growing role of AI-powered tools and digital resources in boosting interview readiness and confidence, particularly among those leveraging online platforms.
A Deloitte survey reveals that career growth and learning are key for India's Gen Z and millennial workforce, who actively upskill and prefer hands-on experience. However, a mentorship gap exists, and many are dissatisfied with higher education's value and cost. Stress and anxiety are prevalent, highlighting the need for organizations to prioritize employee well-being.
A new report reveals that many Indian employees engage in training only when required. The study highlights a gap between company offerings and employee needs. Many workplaces lack a formal skilling strategy. Srikanth Iyengar of upGrad Enterprise warns of a serious skilling gap. Generational learning preferences are often ignored. Employees cite irrelevance, limited access, and lack of time as barriers.
Whether they are disgruntled with performance appraisals, or anticipating the next one, laid off, or just trying to figure out how they can align with bosses and peers — professionals are increasingly turning to astrologers and tarot readers. Although the trend encompasses the gamut, from entry level to leadership, more of mid-senior talent tends to seek counsel from crystal gazers, said experts.
Indian IT firms like Infosys and Wipro have seen median salary increases of 30% since FY21, while Tech Mahindra's pay remained flat recently. Global firms Cognizant and Accenture experienced more moderate hikes. However, the growth rate of annual increments is showing a cooling trend across the industry, influenced by factors like growth and attrition.
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