Workplace culture plays a central role in these decisions. Of employees thinking about leaving, 87% say culture is a key factor when assessing a potential employer (Representational/AI Image)
Nearly two-thirds of employees working in Indian workplaces are ready to change jobs, and most of them are not planning to wait long. Data shows that 62% of employees in such organisations are actively looking for a new role. Among those already considering a switch, 70% expect to leave their current employer within the next 12 months.
The assessment comes from the Voice of India study on job-switching trends released by Great Place To Work, a global consultancy that partners with companies to improve workplace culture, and is based on nationwide survey data. The data points to a high likelihood of workforce attrition in 2026.
At an overall level, 38% of employees across workplaces say they are actively seeking a new job, while another 27% remain undecided, indicating that a majority of the workforce is either ready to move or open to doing so.
Once employees decide to look for a change, the timeline is short, according to the data. Only 26% of those exploring opportunities plan to stay beyond a year, while a small 4% say they have no immediate plans to switch. The data suggests that job mobility is no longer a slow, exploratory process but a time-bound decision for most employees.
The intent to leave is especially strong in certain sectors and demographic groups.
In healthcare, biotech, and pharmaceuticals, 81% of employees who are considering a job change expect to move within a year. Younger workers show similar urgency, with 76% of Generation Z and 68% of millennials planning to switch jobs within the same period. Supervisors and frontline managers are also part of this trend, as 73% of those contemplating a move expect to exit their current roles within 12 months.
Pay is no longer the primary factor holding employees back. Among those planning to leave, 66% say they are willing to accept a pay cut in exchange for a better workplace environment and greater flexibility. This trend is visible across age groups, including older employees, indicating a broader shift in how workers evaluate job opportunities.
Satisfaction levels further explain the gap between those staying and those leaving. Employees preparing to exit report 20% to 27% lower satisfaction than those intending to remain, particularly on fair pay, work-life balance, recognition, and communication from management.
Confidence in leadership also matters. Intent to leave falls by 16% when employees have strong trust in leadership judgment, and by 12% when they experience meaningful opportunities for innovation at work.
Early attrition remains a concern, especially in typical workplaces. Turnover within the first two years of employment is significantly higher compared to Great Place To Work–Certified organisations. The study also points to a gender gap, with 21% more women in typical workplaces reporting intent to leave than women in certified organisations.