PwC's 'India Workforce Hopes and Fears Survey 2023' indicates that India has the potential to lead in AI integration into business with the right upskilling approach.  

According to the survey, 51 per cent of Indian respondents express confidence that AI will enhance their workplace productivity, a higher percentage than the global average of 31 per cent. However, this optimism is contingent on organisations providing adequate upskilling opportunities to their employees.      

The survey indicates that a significant majority, 62 per cent, of Indian employees anticipate significant changes in the skills required for their jobs over the next five years, with 69 per cent being aware of these evolving requirements. Notably, Indian respondents express confidence, 15 per cent more than their global counterparts, in their employers' commitment to providing the necessary tools and opportunities for developing the requisite skill sets.     

Key highlights: 

India's workforce is more aware of the need for upskilling  

62 per cent of Indian respondents agree that the skills required for their job will change significantly in the next five years as compared to 36 per cent of global respondents. Also, 69% of them are aware of how the requirements will change. The urgency to upskill is also reflected in the fact that 53 per cent of Indian employees underline new skill development as a reason for picking up a secondary job compared to 36 per cent of their global counterparts.  

India's workforce is cautiously optimistic about taking a head-start and riding the AI wave  

24 per cent of India respondents believe AI would impact the nature of their work in a negative way, which is 10 per cent more than the global average. Furthermore, 21 per cent of Indian respondents believe AI will take over their jobs as compared to 13 per cent of the global respondents. The most common sentiment, expressed by 51 per cent of respondents, is that AI will help them increase their productivity or efficiency at work in comparison to 31 per cent of global respondents.  

India employees are more likely to ask for a raise, promotion, or switch jobs than their global counterparts  

70 per cent of India participants, as against 35 per cent of their global counterparts, are willing to ask for a promotion (compared to 59 perr cent last year during the great resignation). Millennials are keener on pay raises (74 per cent) and promotions (74 per cent) as compared to Gen Z, Gen X, and boomers. Across levels, 73 per cent of senior executives, 70 per cent of managers, and 63 per cent of non-managers are expected to ask for a pay raise.   

Positive work environment in India has paved the way for empowered and fulfilled employees  

73 per cent of employees in India strongly or moderately agreed that they recommend their office as a good place to work, as against 51 per cent of global respondents. 73 per cent of Indian employees also underline that they can truly be themselves at work and 64 per cent of employees feel that they can choose how to do their work in a way that suits them. 

"Amidst the rising uncertainty and seismic impact of AI, the workforce is demanding more from their employers on all counts. The workforce is not settling for competitive compensation only - which continues to be a hygiene - but also deeper job satisfaction, and faster growth opportunities to fulfill their aspirations. To thrive, organizations and leaders will need to make some tough choices while blending adaptability with innovative workforce structures and career pathways, for an ever-evolving landscape." said Anumeha Singh, Partner, PwC India.