Driving forces for the emerging workforce

The past decade has seen a radical change in almost every aspect of our lives. Dynamic forces at play have reshaped the cultural, economic, and technological landscapes we live in. These changes have also been experienced in the world of work.

Key highlights

1. Shift in sector and industry preference

Increasing preference for working for sectors other than technology.

While technology, media, and telecommunications is still the most preferred sector, a reasonable proportion of respondents ranked banking; financial services and insurance; and government and public services as the leading sector choice.

More than 50 percent respondents expressed interest in working for public-sector organisations as this gives them an opportunity to serve the nation, in addition to job security and stability.

2. Changes in pull factor for gen Z

A company’s impact on the community and nation are some of the primary motivators for gen Z.

Rising social awareness amongst gen Z is motivating campus graduates to seek companies that align with their values as a society. Factors such as nation building and inclusiveness attract gen Z to an organisation. However, these factors may not influence employee retention.

About 83 percent of the respondents finda company’s mission, vision, and values to be a strong motivator to join a company.

3. Greater focus on personal development

Gen Z prefers organisations committed to investing in their long-term growth and development.

A fulfilling career offering challenging roles, rapid advancement, and an opportunity for personal development are of prime importance to campus graduates. These aspects motivate themto stay in a job.

Unsurprisingly, engineering graduates continue to focus on pay packages when taking up their first job after campus. However, they are also keen on a sound and flexible work culture providing a platform to learn and grow.

About 79 percent respondents said thatlong-term learning and development is a

4. Redefining workplace

Rise of metropolitan cities has changed our outlook towards jobs, but upcoming graduates have a different preference for location.

Although Indian and international cities rank high amongst preferred work locations, many graduates are now exploring options to work in organisations closer to their base locations.

About 71 percent graduating students would prefer working in India.