Nearly seven in 10 Indian professionals are preparing to look for new jobs in 2027, but a bigger salary is not their only motivation. A new foundit survey reveals that career growth, AI skills and workplace flexibility are also shaping what employees want from their next job.Nearly seven in 10 Indian professionals are preparing to look for new jobs in 2027, but a bigger salary is not their only motivation.
For employees planning their next career move, 2027 could be the year of a major reset. Nearly seven in 10 Indian professionals intend to actively look for a new job next year, and more than half want a salary hike of at least 31 per cent before making the switch.However, money is not the biggest reason pushing employees towards the exit.
Career growth, better opportunities and the chance to move into future-ready roles are emerging as equally important considerations, according to foundit's Career Reset Survey 2027.The survey, based on responses from 9,951 professionals across India, found that 68.4 per cent intend to actively search for new jobs in 2027. Another 18.1 per cent plan to stay in their current organisations but remain open to outside opportunities.Interestingly, only 3.7 per cent said they intended to stay and grow within their existing organisations.
A BETTER ROLE MATTERS MORE THAN A BIGGER PAYSLIPWhile salary remains an important consideration, career advancement has emerged as the biggest reason professionals want to switch jobs.Around 40.3 per cent of respondents cited better career prospects as their primary motivation, while 29.7 per cent pointed to higher salaries. Another 20.3 per cent said better work-life balance and flexibility were driving their decision.
The findings suggest that employees are not necessarily looking to leave only because of inadequate pay. Opportunities to take on new responsibilities, move into better roles and build long-term careers are also influencing their decisions.HALF WANT AT LEAST 31% MORE TO SWITCHAlthough career growth is leading the decision to switch, professionals are not willing to compromise on compensation.The survey found that 31.2 per cent of respondents expect a salary increase of 31-50 per cent to make a job change worthwhile.
Another 20.4 per cent are looking for hikes exceeding 50 per cent.Together, this means 51.6 per cent expect at least a 31 per cent salary increase before moving to another organisation.Interestingly, 94.1 per cent of respondents said they were confident of finding a good job if required, reflecting strong optimism about their career prospects.AI SKILLS AND HYBRID WORK SHAPE THE NEXT MOVEThe survey also highlights how artificial intelligence is influencing career decisions. Around 82.1 per cent of professionals view AI as a career opportunity, with 67 per cent already actively upgrading their skills to benefit from changing workplace requirements.Flexibility is another major consideration.
Nearly 56 per cent of respondents prefer hybrid working arrangements, while 23.7 per cent favour fully remote jobs. Only 20.3 per cent prefer working entirely from the office.However, finding the right opportunity remains a challenge.
Around 52.7 per cent identified applying for jobs and receiving no response as their biggest recruitment frustration. Lengthy hiring processes were another concern for 19.1 per cent.For employers, the findings point to a retention challenge in 2027.
Competitive salaries may attract candidates, but meaningful career progression, flexibility and opportunities to develop new skills could determine whether employees choose to stay.- Ends