68.4% respondents in survey plan job change in 2027; half seek 31%-plus pay hike: Survey

Mumbai: Amid broader employment uncertainty, 68.4 per cent of Indian professionals plan to actively seek new job opportunities in 2027, reflecting strong career ambitions, according to a survey released on Thursday.

Career growth, higher compensation and future-ready skills are shaping career decisions, with 94.1 per cent confident of finding a good job if needed, according to foundit's Career Reset Survey 2027.

foundit's Career Reset Survey 2027 is based on responses from 9,951 professionals across India.


The survey further revealed that career growth emerged as the biggest motivation for switching jobs cited by 40.3 per cent of respondents, followed by higher salary (29.7 per cent) and better work-life balance (20.3 per cent).

However, salary remained a major factor in job changes, with 51.5 per cent of professionals saying they would consider switching jobs only if offered a pay hike of at least 31 per cent.

While 18.1 per cent intend to stay in their current jobs but remain open to opportunities, only 3.7 per cent plan to stay and grow within their existing organisations, the report stated.

"India's workforce is entering 2027 with a clear shift in how professionals view career growth and long-term employability. Despite broader uncertainty in the job market, the confidence to explore new opportunities remains strong. What stands out is that career growth is taking precedence over immediate financial gains, even as salary expectations remain high," foundit CEO Tarun Sinha said.

At the same time, he said the growing emphasis on AI upskilling signals that professionals recognise the need to continuously evolve as job roles transform.

"For employers, the challenge is no longer just attracting talent, but creating meaningful growth opportunities, building future-ready capabilities and ensuring that hiring practices keep pace with changing workforce expectations," he added.

As AI continues to reshape workplace requirements, 82.1 per cent of respondents view it as a career opportunity, including 67 per cent who are actively upskilling.

Another 15.2 per cent recognise its potential but have not yet taken action, it added.

Overall, 80.8 per cent identify recruitment-process-related issues as their biggest frustration, highlighting the importance of timely communication and transparency in hiring, the report revealed.