Indian workers prioritize family time over career advancement in 2025: insights from Indeed’s survey

Recent discussions on work hours and work life balance have sparked a debate around individual priorities around work. In this context, a recent survey by Indeed reveals that Indian workers are prioritizing family time over career advancement in 2025. Nearly four out of five (78%) of Indian employees surveyed said they want to spend more time with their families, according to Indeed’s Future Career Resolution survey. The survey included 2,507 respondents from India and was part of a larger survey covering Singapore, Australia, and Japan.Shifting priorities:
“We’re definitely seeing a shift in what matters to Indian workers,” said Rachael Townsley, Marketing Director (Australia, India & Singapore) at Indeed. He highlighted that people are telling us they want to find a better balance between work and home life. While earning more is important, the dream career for most isn’t about moving up the ladder – it’s about feeling secure, being paid fairly, and having benefits that actually make a difference. This is a reminder that creating workplaces where people feel supported in both their work and personal lives is not just a nice to have – it is essential for helping people thrive, he stressed.Other key concerns:
Financial security is also a top concern. Over one-fourth (27%) of Indian workers said increasing their income is their main goal for 2025. Forty-one percent are pursuing or considering extra jobs for financial stability. Many cited a non-competitive salary as a major obstacle. Rising living costs in cities like Delhi and Mumbai contribute to this trend. However, the survey indicated that most Indian workers aren’t interested in leadership positions. They prefer job stability, fair wages, and good benefits.

Areas of growth:

Over half (55%) of Indian workers are confident about job market growth in new industries. They are developing new skills and are open to new jobs or relocation. A similar number (55%) are optimistic about the growth of artificial intelligence and technology. Important skills for 2025 include emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, data analysis, and advanced tech skills like AI, machine learning, and coding. Fifty-nine percent anticipate a shift to skills-based hiring over degrees.

Differences in priorities across Asia Pacific region:
The survey also found differences across the Asia-Pacific region. While Indian workers prioritize stability and financial growth, workers in Singapore, Australia, and Japan are seeking meaningful work alongside higher salaries. Indeed conducted the survey between December 2024 and January 2025, with 6,126 participants across the four countries. The participants were evenly distributed across age groups and career stages.