India remains one of LinkedIn's most energising growth stories: Feon Ang, MD, APAC, LinkedIn
cited crucial data insights and spoke about how AI is shaping workforce changes in India, hiring trends in the country, the growing
SMB
segment on LinkedIn and how Gen Z is driving the shift in
India
to move across sectors:
Q How is AI shaping workplace changes in India and how does it stack up compared to other Asian markets?
At LinkedIn, we see AI reshaping work in three ways: augmenting roles by freeing people to focus on higher-value work, disrupting jobs built on repetition, and elevating roles that rely on the human ingenuity AI can't replace.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Shooter Action MMO
Crossout
Play Now
Undo
What's striking is how leaders in India are embracing this shift. Ninety-five percent of C-suite leaders here are prioritising AI skills, ahead of Singapore (93%) and Australia (76%), showing clear momentum toward a skills-first economy.
And there's a deeper shift underway. As AI takes on more of the background tasks, professionals are bringing more of their uniquely human skills to the forefront. Skills like critical thinking, creativity, and empathy are fast becoming essentials for how leaders inspire, grow, and deliver impact.
Live Events
Q India's largest tech company
TCS
announced mass layoffs recently and India's IT hub Karnataka is conducting a workplace survey with companies to evaluate the impact of AI on the workforce. How big a threat could AI be to jobs in India, and which sectors could primarily bear the brunt?
These aren't easy times. As AI accelerates change, it's natural for the professional community to feel unsettled. But the data shows a different story: a shift to newer, not fewer, jobs. On LinkedIn, half of the fastest-growing roles in India today didn't exist as recently as 2000, a reminder that change is constant, and opportunity evolves alongside it.
Leaders are acting. Seventy-eight percent of recruiters in India now take a skills-first approach to hiring and development. For professionals, this is the moment to invest in adaptable, future-ready skills that grow with change. For organisations, it's a chance to support talent with clarity, empathy and a clear path forward that sets them up for success.
Q: Please share some details on the gender gap in workforce inclusion in India and what can India do to bridge the diversity gap?
India is making notable progress on gender inclusion, especially at the entry level. Women's participation has risen to 35 percent this year from 28 percent last year, with the strongest gains in Education (40%), Government Administration (36%) and Healthcare (35%). But as careers advance, the gap widens.
Our data shows 80 percent of women in India work in roles likely to be disrupted by AI, compared to 75 percent of men. Yet only 2 out of 10 women feel prepared to adapt. That's why skills matter. Skills-based hiring can expand the talent pool more than 11x in India, levelling the playing field.
But hiring is just the start. Inclusion needs to be sustained through safe work environments, mentorship, and a culture where women are empowered to grow and lead. That's how we fix the broken rung and build stronger, more diverse leadership across India's workforce.
Q: How is LinkedIn adopting AI for the platform? Please share some recent examples to illustrate the point.
At LinkedIn, we're using AI to make the path to opportunity clearer and more personal for every member. In a fast-growing market like India, where job search can often feel overwhelming, we've introduced AI-powered job search and tools that simplify the experience. Members can now describe the kind of role they're looking for in their own words and get tailored suggestions instantly. We've also launched AI-powered coaching to offer real-time support (whether that's for interview prep, performance conversations, or career guidance) meeting professionals where they are with the help they need.
We're also putting AI to work for our customers. Hiring Assistant helps recruiters save time on repetitive tasks so they can focus on strategic work like engaging talent and advising hiring managers. For marketers, tools like Accelerate and Revenue Attribution are making it easier to run high-impact campaigns with less complexity. Across everything we build, AI is acting as a co-pilot — helping people and businesses move forward with more clarity and confidence.
Q: Which are the segments and industries seeing early signals of transformation through AI?
While some sectors have been at the forefront of embracing AI by default, others are now catching up. Beyond Technology, Information & Media, sectors like Retail,
Wholesale
, Financial Services, and
Professional Services
are at the centre of this disruption. Titles like AI Engineer are now among the fastest growing jobs in India, and some of the top skills among AI Engineering talent are Machine Learning, Natural Language Processing (NLP), Large Language Models (LLM), etc. When we look at hiring in India, the ratio of AI talent hiring to overall hiring has grown 33% year-over-year in 2024, indicating that leaders are adopting AI swiftly and are investing in the rightly skilled talent to speed up this adoption.
Q: How is SMB engagement faring on LinkedIn?
India is emerging as a global hub for testing, scaling, and adopting innovative solutions, and
SMBs
are at the centre of this growth story. We're seeing that same momentum on LinkedIn.
SMBs are now our fastest-growing customer segment in India: finding the right talent to power their growth, telling their brand stories to the right audiences, and converting leads into sales with precision targeting. This growth isn't limited to metros - SMB engagement on LinkedIn is growing twice as fast in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, especially in manufacturing, consulting, and IT services.
It's a priority segment for our business and with India's potential, the possibilities for helping SMBs through our talent, marketing, and sales solutions are unmatched.
Q: Over 60% of India's over 150 million members are under 35, with Gen Z driving engagement on career clarity tools and video-first content. Are you looking at newer ways to boost their engagement further?
Gen Z professionals are intentional about where they spend their time. They want real value, community, and clarity. That's why we're evolving the LinkedIn experience into a space that helps them grow by helping them expand networks, build personal brands, and join professional conversations.
Video is a key part of this shift. With a 36 percent year-over-year jump in consumption, and creation growing 2 times faster than other formats, it's clear that video is helping young professionals show up with authenticity and share what they know. For those seeking credible news, our LinkedIn News banner now brings timely, relevant updates from trusted sources directly into the feed.
Learning is another priority. Nearly one-thirds (30%) of Gen Z professionals in India see learning something new as progress. We're fuelling that mindset by offering free access to top LinkedIn Learning courses — including Career Essentials for Generative AI — through 2025.
Q: How have member numbers and subscriptions grown in India over the past year?
India remains one of LinkedIn's most energising growth stories. With over 161 million members and more than 20% year-on-year membership growth, professionals here are thinking boldly about their careers and what's next.
Most recognise that careers aren't linear paths, they're more like squiggly lines. This year, 60% of professionals in India are open to switching industries. Gen Z is leading this shift with curiosity, ambition, and a readiness to grow.
It's inspiring to see so many people turning to LinkedIn for guidance, community, and clarity. We feel a responsibility to keep building for this momentum, helping every professional in India take the next step with confidence.
Q: Which sectors are seeing the maximum opportunities for hiring in India as per your data?
We're seeing strong hiring intent across core functions like IT, Business Development, Learning and Development, and Finance, with Indian leaders already gearing up for 2025. But the real story lies in how opportunity is expanding across sectors and skill levels.
Industries like
Utilities
, Government Administration, Consumer Services, and Wholesale are opening up pathways for bachelor degree holders. For professionals with master's degrees, we're seeing rising demand in sectors such as Education, Real Estate, Accommodation and Food Services. What's especially exciting is how this growth is moving beyond metros India.
Our Cities on the Rise list highlights how sectors like tech, healthcare, and financial services are fueling hiring in cities like Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Raipur, Jodhpur, and Nashik. The opportunity map in India is expanding, and it's bringing more diverse talent into the fold.
Q: How many Indian members are looking for work and new opportunities and how do these numbers compare with other Asian markets? Have these numbers changed dramatically over the past year?
At the start of this year, 82% of professionals in India said they planned to look for a new job, a slight dip from 88% in 2024, but the intent remains strong. What's changing is the intensity. Job applications per posting on LinkedIn have risen by 19%, and applications per applicant are up by 7%. Unlike markets like Australia, where application levels have stayed steady, professionals in India are moving with urgency. They're not just hopeful, they're proactive. They're upskilling, exploring new paths, and taking charge of their growth. It's a clear signal that career ambition in India is alive and accelerating, and we're proud to help people turn that ambition into action.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
India.com
39 minutes ago
- India.com
Is Trump Ready To Risk Key Ally India For His America-First Agenda? Nikki Haley Sounds Alarm
Washington: 'To achieve America's foreign policy goals of outcompeting China, few objectives are more critical than getting relations between Washington and New Delhi back on track,' wrote Nikki Haley, U.S. President Donald Trump's fellow Republican and former U.N. ambassador, in an op-ed for Newsweek. She urged that India must be treated 'like the prized free and democratic partner that it is, not an adversary like China, which has thus far avoided sanctions for its Russian oil purchases, despite being one of Moscow's largest customers'. She warned that undoing decades of diplomatic momentum with the only Asian power capable of balancing Beijing would be a 'strategic disaster'. She also highlighted India's role in shifting supply chains away from China. 'While the Trump administration works to bring manufacturing back to our shores, India stands alone in its potential to manufacture at a China-like scale for products that cannot be quickly or efficiently produced here, like textiles, inexpensive phones and solar panels,' she said. Add Zee News as a Preferred Source Haley described New Delhi as a 'crucial asset to the free world's security', stressing that unlike authoritarian China, a rising democratic India strengthens the global order. Trump, however, has unsettled both allies and critics by threatening to impose an additional 25 per cent tariff on India for importing discounted oil from Russia. The measure comes on top of a similar levy already rolled out this month, taking the total duty to 50 per cent. Once hailed as Washington's counterweight to China, New Delhi now finds itself grouped with Brazil, whose President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has already threatened retaliation. Beijing, the largest buyer of Russian crude, has been spared from similar penalties. 'Biggest Mistake' Geopolitical analyst Fareed Zakaria joined the wave of criticism. Speaking to CNN, he called the tariff push 'America's biggest foreign policy mistake', warning that even if Trump walks back the decision, 'the damage is done'. According to him, India now views the United States as 'unreliable, its willingness to be brutal to those whom it calls its friends' and may deepen its ties with Russia while easing tensions with China. 'Stupidest Tactical Move' Economist Jeffrey Sachs struck a similar note. On 'Breaking Points' with Krystal Ball and Saagar Enjeti, he said the White House is effectively binding the BRICS bloc closer together. He branded the tariffs 'the stupidest tactical move in U.S. foreign policy' and labelled Trump 'the great unifier of BRICS'. 'Tariff Tantrum' The pushback has reached Capitol Hill as well. Senior Congressman Gregory Meeks, a Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee, denounced the policy as a 'tariff tantrum' that risks dismantling over two decades of strategic, economic and cultural ties. 'We have deep strategic, economic and people-to-people ties. Concerns should be addressed in a mutually respectful way consistent with our democratic values,' he said.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Help These Green Warriors Help You
1 2 An economist, a software engineer, a law student and a retired IRS officer walk into a… No, this isn't the lead-up to that joke. They walk into ward offices all over the city, sit through hours of discussions and debates, and fight tooth and nail to protect every single tree they can from being felled. For the past two years, under the ChaloPMC initiative, citizens who are part of the Pune Samvad group have attended several tree-felling hearings to give each tree a fighting chance. There are about five to six of these hearings every month, spread across the city. But there are only a handful of participants, most of whom also have day jobs. While many people attend the hearings for bigger projects like the Riverfront Development (RFD), smaller dockets and ward-wise meetings get ignored. The group is trying to rectify this. You Can Also Check: Pune AQI | Weather in Pune | Bank Holidays in Pune | Public Holidays in Pune | Gold Rates Today in Pune | Silver Rates Today in Pune Economist Ameet Singh, who founded Pune Samvad, estimated that the city has lost 30,000 trees – and counting – to development projects since 2021. "Data collected by us shows that over 95% of tree cover has been removed since the 2000s only for roads. Many of these trees are over 50 years old. According to the 2021 amendment to the Maharashtra (Urban Areas) Protection and Preservation of Trees Act of 1975, any tree estimated to be over 50 years must be declared a heritage tree," Singh told TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo "However, the slaughter of trees to build buildings, bridges and roads has continued unabated. There is a difference between growth and development, which is that of quantity versus quality. The faster we understand the difference, the more trees we can protect," he added. In 2023, Singh filed a petition in the Bombay high court against Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) for blatant felling of trees. The HC then passed an order that not only directed PMC to follow the Tree Act but also ordered it to draw up guidelines pertaining to the release of a docket. A docket is a list of trees set to be felled, along with their age, species and location (see graphic). "We created a docket format in collaboration with PMC. After a docket is released, a meeting is held with the tree authority officer, who is the ward officer for the area. Before this, we send our objections to the proposal and at the meeting try to find the best way to save as many trees as possible," Singh said. Citizens' Involvement Is Key "It boils my blood to see trees cut unnecessarily. We are losing very crucial city foliage for absolutely no reason or sheer negligence to follow the rules. Every single tree and every citizen who fights for these trees matters. It's important that citizens think of their immediate surroundings," said software engineer and Chalo PMC member Sanaa Shaikh. "Power is in numbers. We need more citizens to join the fight. " A neighbourhood approach is crucial to solving the problem as the current participants, few in number, cannot be present everywhere, especially after tackling their full-time jobs. Besides, most of these hearings are held during PMC's office hours. Learning and development professional Vijaya Suratkal, another member of the group, said she has seen the decline in the city's green cover over the years. "The city used to be lined with large banyan and peepal trees, but now we have lost most of them to roads." "Only a handful of citizens show up at tree hearings now. When there are just a few of us, it is difficult to convince those petitioning to cut trees to explore alternative paths. People from all walks of life must step forward to join us as protecting trees is the easiest and cheapest way to save the city from worsening air pollution. As citizens, we must take ownership of the trees in our wards," she added. Law student and IT professional Moin Pathan spends his free time attending tree hearings and helping the team run surveys on the ground. "There is a great deal of confusion about tree-felling and tree-trimming permissions. Most apply for tree-felling even if there is a small bend in the tree. But there is a lot that can be done before a tree needs to be completely hacked off," he said. "The goal at these hearings is to find alternative designs and plans that can ensure maximum trees are saved. However, that can only happen once citizens become aware of the rules and participate in the process. " Every Tree Matters According to Singh, the rampant construction boom in 2014, the Metro project (sanctioned in 2016) and the RFD (which started operations in 2017) put thousands of trees at risk. "In such a situation, not only must citizens fight to protect the trees in these spaces, also they must fight for every other tree at risk, either from road widening, a bridge or a redevelopment project. Trees are crucial not just to maintain the city's temperature but also to prevent flooding and regulate air pollution, all problems Pune is dealing with today," Singh said. Better SOPs Are A Must "How will I breathe, or sustain increased temperatures, if all trees get cut down eventually," asked Rekha Joshi, a retired IRS officer who was employed with the central GST office. Joshi attends every meeting she can, irrespective of the area. "When the designs are planned, there is no consideration for saving trees or to take a sustainable approach to felling requests, which is disappointing. Officials who attend these meetings have no response to our queries and they don't even take the help of experts to address our issues. Each time, we must take the route of RTIs to get more information. This is nothing but an administrative gap," Joshi added. Attending these meetings is also a way to keep authorities accountable, as often, data falls through the gaps and citizens are none the wiser. Better vigilance from the public is an urgent need, said another member of the group. "During meetings, officials agree to transplant trees, but we don't know yet if it is done. We are currently collecting data to understand this, but the number of people working on it is not enough. We have to co-ordinate within the group and with officials, and then consistently follow up. We need more citizens to join the movement," Singh said. "We were able to save 236 trees in Yerawada earlier this year. It was only possible because we followed up constantly. But, to do this, we need people." If you've ever wondered why the big tree around the corner from your house or the one that you sheltered under on a hot summer day has suddenly disappeared, and wished you could do something about it, then you're the person the group is looking for. Saving trees is no joke. What happens at the tree hearings? - The ward office releases a docket or list of trees to be felled or transplanted, with their age and species listed - In case of transplantation, the proposal must also include where the trees will be transplanted, the number and the species as well - At the hearing, the tree officer listens to objections and then decides if amendments to the proposed docket need to be made or grants permission - In case permission to chop trees is granted, the stakeholder petitioning to fell them must provide land space and funds for compensatory plantation - A hearing is held with all stakeholders present _________________________ Duties of the Tree Authority/Officer Tree Officer: Area Ward Officer | Tree Authority Municipal Commissioner 1. Preservation of all trees in all lands within their jurisdiction 2. Development and maintenance of nurseries and supply of seeds, saplings and trees for new or compensatory plantations 3. Transplanting trees necessitated by construction of new roads or widening of existing roads 4. Planting and maintaining such number of trees as it considers necessary according to the prescribed standards on roads, in public parks and gardens and on banks of rivers or lakes 5. Where permission to fell a tree is granted, the tree officer may do so on the condition that the applicant shall plant another tree of the same or other suitable species, on the same site or other suitable place within 30 days from the date of felling _____________________________ Other Rules - No completion or occupation certificate should be issued for new constructions until compensatory plantation or transplantation conditions have been followed - Punishment for felling a tree without following due process: Rs1,000 per offence - Punishment for felling a tree in public premises without following due process: 3 months imprisonment or a fine Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
CM: Mughals, British looted India, SP & Cong erased nation's identity
1 2 Lucknow: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday accused the Congress and the Samajwadi Party of pushing the country into an identity crisis after centuries of Mughal loot and British exploitation. Speaking at the inauguration of the Rs 750-crore Shree cement plant in Etah, he said the two parties never worked for inclusive development, serving only their families while leaving traders and women unsafe. In contrast, he said, the double-engine govt's clear policies and zero tolerance for crime have taken UP to new heights of development. The Etah cement plant will generate 500 direct jobs in the area, a sign of progress in a region which, before 2017, was only known for crime and mafia, the CM said. Yogi said when Congress was in govt at the Centre, even cement was rationed and could only be procured through connections, which made a huge dent in the construction sector. "How could development happen with such intent and policies? Contrasting this with today's growth, India, which fell to the 11th place in the world economy by 2014 due to Congress and SP policies, has now risen to the 4th place under PM Modi and is set to become the third-largest economy within two years," he said. He alleged that the two opposition parties only worked for their families and never thought about inclusive development, leaving traders and women highly unsafe in the state. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like American Investor Warren Buffett Recommends: 5 Books For Turning Your Life Around Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Etah district, once synonymous with crime and mafia, land encroachment, and harassment of the poor, is now a hub of investment and industry, he added. Yogi outlined that the Jawaharpur thermal power plant near the new cement plant generates 1,500MW of power, while Shree Cement's unit created 500 direct jobs and more than 3,000 indirect jobs. He called this the real foundation of an Atmanirbhar and Viksit Bharat, where investment was leading to not just jobs but also strengthening trade, transport, and distribution networks. He credited this turnaround to strict action against mafia and rioters, which restored investor confidence in the state. "UP has received investment proposals worth Rs 45 lakh crore, out of which Rs 15 lakh crore have already been grounded, creating employment for 60 lakh youth. In addition to this, 60,244 youths, including many from Etah, were recruited into the police on merit. Under Mukhyamantri Yuva Yojana, 70,000 young entrepreneurs have received interest-free, guarantee-free loans to establish their own enterprises," he said. The CM highlighted Etah's traditional craft, praising the bell and 'ghunguru' industry for remaining an integral part of temple worship and music gatherings. He linked this cultural heritage with modern development, stating how this would become the basis of a Viksit UP-2047. "In the Assembly and Legislative Council, a 24-hour discussion was held on key sectors, and experts will now visit every district to train youth and prepare district-level roadmaps with public participation," he said. The CM assured full cooperation from govt to investors, adding: "The state will honour every promise made under its industrial policy. With modern infrastructure, four-lane connectivity, and welfare schemes, Etah will soon scale new heights of development." Praising Shree Cement, Yogi said the company was not only generating employment but also fulfilling its social responsibility. The Etah unit has so far provided free cement to 183 families of martyrs. "When our soldiers showed courage in Operation Sindoor, it was possible because the nation stood united. Shree Cement's contribution strengthens this national spirit," he noted. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
