A growing number of Indian employees are dissatisfied with their current salaries as rising living costs and inflation continue to put pressure on household finances, according to ACCA’s Global Talent Trends 2026 report.
The report found that 81% of Indian employees plan to ask for a pay rise within the next 12 months. Among them, 68% expect salary hikes of more than 10%.
The survey said concerns over the cost of living remain one of the biggest workplace issues globally. In India, the issue ranked second only to fears about jobs being replaced by technology. Employees also expressed concerns over job security due to uncertainty linked to artificial intelligence and geopolitical conditions.
More than 90% of Indian respondents said they preferred at least one steady role. While 57% expressed interest in freelance work alongside stable employment, 36% said they wanted only one permanent role. The report also showed lower job-switching intentions compared to last year, with 47% planning to change roles in the next year, down from 55% in 2025.
The report noted increasing adoption of AI tools in workplaces across India. Around 57% of employees said they currently use AI in their jobs, while 52% believed AI systems could support fair and unbiased recruitment. At the same time, some workers said they felt overwhelmed by the pace of technological change and worried about AI’s impact on their roles.
Hybrid work continued to remain the preferred model for most employees. The survey found that 79% preferred hybrid work arrangements, while 53% were already working in hybrid setups.
Mental health also remained a concern, with 53% of Indian respondents saying work pressure negatively affected their mental health in 2026, compared to 51% in 2025. The report said 67% wanted greater employer support for mental health management.