Indians give more importance to job security than salary, Randstad India report reveals

Indians give more priority to job security than salary. According to talent firm Randstad, traditional incentives like salary have become less important for Indian employees this year as flexibility at the workplace, job security, learning and development opportunities and a sense of belonging are at the center of employees. They are giving more priority to these things than salary.

Last year, employees prioritized work-life balance, followed by remuneration and job security. According to Randstad India's WorkMonitor 2025 report, 52 per cent of Indian employees would leave a job if there was a lack of adequate flexibility, while globally this figure was 31 per cent. The report said that flexibility still remains a key decision-making factor, with 60 per cent of employees rejecting jobs without flexible work hours and 56 per cent rejecting roles that lack flexibility in the office.

Employees are now giving more importance to these in their jobs.

According to the report, employees are moving beyond financial incentives and prioritizing work that is in line with their personal values ​​and life goals. Job security, mental health support, and work-life balance are now more important. Salary has now come in fourth place, reflecting a shift towards a more holistic view of employment.

There is also a demand to reduce working hours

Moreover, the demand for flexible work hours is significantly higher across generations in India compared to the global average due to unique socio-economic and workplace dynamics. Vishwanath PS, MD and CEO, Randstad India, said the generational divide in Indian workplace expectations is narrowing, and the data is clear. He added that flexibility is no longer a benefit. It is a baseline expectation across all age groups. Now everyone values ​​the ability to work on their own terms.

Talent is not looking for a job

Vishwanath PS said that talent is no longer just looking for a job. They are looking for a career that evolves with them. Gen Z (62 per cent vs 45 per cent globally) crave flexible work hours as they enter a digital-first job market where long commutes, cultural expectations around family involvement and high job competition make work-life balance essential.