Survey finds 91% Indian employees in hybrid-mode are better engaged at work
In an Employee Experience survey conducted by Qualtrics, "89% of Indian employees reported feeling engaged at work, compared to the global average of 68%". The study covered 37,000 employees from various sectors, including IT, construction, and retail, with 2,000 participants from India.
The report titled, '2024 Employee Experience Trends Report,' also highlights that Indian workers exhibit the highest levels of engagement, well-being, and openness to using AI in the workplace globally.
Key indicators of positive employee experience
The report identified five key indicators of employee experience in India:
- Engagement
- Intent to stay for 3+ years
- Experience exceeding expectations
- Inclusion
- Well-being
Interestingly, 60% of Indian workers felt their experience exceeded their expectations, significantly higher than the global average of 38%. Moreover, the inclusive work culture in the country scored an impressive 88%, compared to the global average of 73%.
The report noted that as hybrid work models and economic uncertainties become more prevalent, employees emphasize the significance of change management, values alignment, and trust in their managers for a positive employee experience. However, it appears that current HR priorities are not fully addressing these crucial factors.
Emerging trends defining employee experience in 2024
Work arrangements - According to the survey, Indian workers agree that it is better to be in the office 'sometimes' rather than working from home permanently. However, they do not agree with being in the office for the entire workweek. Regarding engagement at work, 91% of Indian employees working in a hybrid mode showed better engagement than those in full-time remote or full-time office work arrangements.
AI-enabled technologies streamlining work - The report found that 69% of Indian workers have embraced new technologies for work. However, the most preferred 'controlled AI roles' are writing tasks, with 82%, and serving as personal assistants, with 76%.
However, there is still reluctance in HR, as only 60% use AI tools for hiring decisions and only 65% use them for performance evaluations.
Need for care for Frontline employees - The report revealed that frontline workers, the most crucial component of an organization, are 'unhappy, poorly supported, and least trusting.' In India, frontline workers expressed challenges, with only 77% of employees satisfied with their compensation and benefits. Additionally, only 72% of employees feel empowered to challenge conventional work methods, highlighting a need for improved support structures.
New-job honeymoon phase fading out - According to the survey, 83% of surveyed new hires reported lower engagement at work, indicating a decline in the 'first-year experience.' Moreover, only 24% of them affirmed their 'intent to stay,' while 73% acknowledged 'inclusion' at work. This shift calls for a close examination of onboarding and initial engagement strategies.
Reflecting on the findings, Cecelia Herbert, the Principal XM Catalyst at Qualtrics XM Institute, stated, “As economies focus on improving productivity, employee experience is one of the most important levers to prioritize. There is a well-established connection between employee engagement and organizational performance — from innovation and profitability to better customer service and employee health outcomes. Organizations that maintain their people-centric focus and effectively enable their teams to do great work will be the standout performers in the years to come.”
