- Indian workers lead globally with a 77% well‑being score, supported by meaningful work, strong values alignment, and robust work‑life balance initiatives.
- Confidence remains high at 90%, though career opportunities and trust in managers have dipped by 6%.
- Nearly half (48%) intend to remain with their current employer, reflecting cautious “job hugging” in the face of uncertainty.
- Optimism persists, yet job satisfaction stands at 64%, moderated by concerns over job security and managerial trust.
New Delhi | January 20, 2026: ManpowerGroup India today released the Global Talent Barometer 2026 – India Report, offering deep insights into workforce sentiment across 19 countries. Based on responses from over 1,000 Indian workers between September 1 and October 1, 2025, the report highlights India’s continued leadership in global workforce confidence and well‑being, while also revealing stress, burnout, and job satisfaction challenges.
India achieved an overall Global Talent Barometer score of 77%, derived from three indices: Well‑Being (77%), Job Satisfaction (64%), and Confidence (90%).
Key Findings
- Well‑Being (77%):
- 93% find work meaningful and aligned with company values.
- 87% feel supported on work‑life balance.
- 75% report burnout, driven by workload and long hours.
- Blue‑collar workers report lowest well‑being (68%).
- Job Satisfaction (64%):
- 48% plan to stay with current employer, signaling cautious “job hugging.”
- 84% are actively job hunting, with 41% expecting possible job loss.
- Gen Z women report lowest satisfaction (24%).
- Healthcare and Financials & Real Estate workers feel least secure.
- Confidence (90%):
- 95% confident in their skills, but confidence in using AI fell by 4%.
- Career opportunities weakened most for blue‑collar (–20%) and hybrid workers (–9%).
- Women outperform men on career development and tech usage indices.
Sandeep Gulati, Managing Director, ManpowerGroup India & Middle East, said: “India’s workforce remains confident and capable, with 95% of workers confident in their skills. However, optimism is under strain. Job satisfaction sits at 64%, stress levels are high, and burnout affects three in four workers. Employers that invest in visible career pathways, manager trust, and employee well‑being will be better positioned to retain talent and convert confidence into sustained productivity.”
Three Trends to Watch
- Persistent Burnout: 75% of workers report burnout, creating opportunities for employers to differentiate through well‑being initiatives.
- Cautious Stability with Active Job Hunting: 48% plan to stay, but 84% are actively applying elsewhere. Career path clarity is critical.
- Restoring Worker Confidence: AI adoption is rising, but confidence in using technology is slipping. Employers must address skills gaps with training.
About the Global Talent Barometer
The Global Talent Barometer measures worker well‑being, job satisfaction, and confidence worldwide. Survey responses were collected from 13,771 workers across 19 countries, including 1,025 in India. The research aims to help employers understand workforce sentiment and build resilient, future‑ready organizations.
Website: India Talent Barometer 2026 manpowergroup.co.in
About ManpowerGroup
ManpowerGroup® (NYSE: MAN) is a global workforce solutions leader, helping organizations source, assess, develop, and manage talent. Operating in India for over 25 years, ManpowerGroup delivers innovative solutions through its brands Manpower, Experis, Talent Solutions, and Rotostat. Recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies (2025), ManpowerGroup is consistently ranked among the best places to work for diversity and inclusion.
Website: www.manpowergroup.co.in
