Clearer policies and training essential to harness AI's full potential: Survey
A Michael Page report reveals India's lead in GenAI adoption, yet a preparedness gap exists, fueling job security concerns. While trust in leadership and transparency are high, professionals seek better pay and internal advancement. Inclusivity remains a challenge, with ageism prevalent. Flexibility is now a baseline expectation, with hybrid work holding steady.
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India is ahead of the curve when it comes to AI adoption, with six in 10 professionals using GenAI tools such as ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot. However, only 31% feel well-prepared by their employers to use these tools effectively, finds a new survey.While GenAI boosts productivity and job satisfaction, the lack of structured guidance is creating uncertainty, especially as 42% view AI as a threat to job security, according to the Talent Trends India 2025 report by global recruitment firm Michael Page, which states that clearer policies and training are now essential to harness AI's full potential.The report reveals a defining shift in what Indian professionals value most at work. Based on insights from nearly 3,000 professionals across the country, it highlights five critical areas where clarity is now the currency of trust and retention: culture, technology, salary, values, and flexibility.India leads the region in workplace trust, with 61% of professionals expressing high or complete trust in their leadership, well above APAC (57%) and global (49%) averages. Transparency is also a standout strength, with 65% of employees rating their organisations as open and communicative. From sharing financials to responding to feedback, Indian companies are increasingly building cultures rooted in openness and mutual respect.While 65% of professionals are actively seeking new roles, many are now negotiating for better pay within their current organisations. As much as 62% negotiated a raise this year, and 37% succeeded, signalling a shift toward internal advancement.Further, despite progress in gender equity—with 56% of women satisfied with pay gap efforts—inclusivity remains a challenge. About 76% of employees feel they cannot be their authentic selves at work, and ageism is the most reported bias, affecting 40% of respondents. Professionals are calling for workplaces that not only talk about inclusion but actively foster belonging and psychological safety.Hybrid work is holding steady at 43%. But 61% of hybrid workers say they would leave if required to spend more time in the office. Even those satisfied with their roles and pay are unwilling to compromise on flexibility, showing that flexibility is no longer a perk — it's a baseline expectation. Companies that fail to offer it risk losing top talent.'Indian professionals are asking direct questions about flexibility, values, technology, and trust—and they expect honest, transparent answers. The organisations that respond with clarity and purpose will not only attract top talent but also build the kind of resilient, future-ready cultures that thrive in uncertainty,' said Nilay Khandelwal, senior managing director, Michael Page, India and Singapore.
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