A new report by ManpowerGroup paints a mixed picture of India’s workforce in 2025 — employees are highly confident about their job prospects, but they are also experiencing elevated levels of workplace stress.
The survey, which polled thousands of professionals across multiple industries, shows that India ranks among the top globally for employee confidence, but also flags growing concerns about burnout, workload pressure, and mental fatigue.
📊 Key Highlights from the Report
83% of Indian workers feel confident about their career growth in the next 12 months
69% report high to very high levels of workplace stress
53% say they work more than 45 hours per week, well above global average
IT, BFSI, and healthcare sectors reported the highest stress levels
Top stressors: workload, lack of work-life balance, and job security
💼 Why Indian Workers Are Still Confident
Despite stress, Indian professionals remain optimistic due to:
A robust job market fueled by tech and digital transformation
Expanding startup and gig economy opportunities
Upward salary revisions across sectors post-pandemic
Increased hiring in AI, fintech, green energy, and healthcare
“Indian professionals are future-ready, ambitious, and resilient. But the stress gap needs urgent attention,” said a ManpowerGroup spokesperson.
⚠️ What’s Driving the Stress?
The rise in workplace stress stems from a combination of internal and external pressures:
Always-on work culture driven by hybrid and remote models
Longer work hours in urban centers
Unclear job expectations in fast-changing industries
Growing pressure to upskill and adapt to automation
Mental health experts warn that unaddressed workplace stress could impact long-term productivity, retention, and employee well-being.
🛠️ What Employers Need to Do
ManpowerGroup recommends that companies take proactive steps such as:
Instituting mental health programs and employee assistance services
Encouraging flexible schedules and right-to-disconnect policies
Promoting skills training and career clarity
Building a culture of open communication and psychological safety
📈 India vs Global: The Stress-Confidence Paradox
| Region | Employee Confidence | Stress Level |
|---|---|---|
| India | 83% | 69% |
| US | 61% | 54% |
| UK | 58% | 62% |
| Germany | 49% | 46% |
India shows a unique paradox — strong job optimism coupled with higher-than-average stress, making it critical for employers to strike a balance.
❓ FAQ Section
Q1: What is the main finding of the ManpowerGroup report on India?
A: The report reveals that while 83% of Indian employees are confident about their job future, 69% are experiencing high levels of work-related stress.
Q2: Which sectors report the highest stress levels?
A: IT, healthcare, and financial services (BFSI) are among the most affected by high stress, due to longer hours and tight deadlines.
Q3: Why are Indian employees still confident despite stress?
A: Confidence is driven by strong hiring trends, salary growth, and emerging career opportunities in AI, fintech, and green sectors.
Q4: How does India compare globally in stress and confidence?
A: India tops the list for employee confidence but also ranks among the highest globally in terms of workplace stress.
Q5: What steps can companies take to reduce stress?
A: Employers can promote mental health initiatives, adopt flexible work policies, and encourage skill development to support employee well-being.
Q6: Is the stress trend expected to continue in 2025?
A: Without intervention, experts predict that stress levels may rise further as job roles evolve rapidly in a tech-first economy.
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Reported by Benny on June 24, 2025.
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