6 Out Of 10 Employees Plan Job Switch In 2026; 66% Ready To Take Pay Cut For Better Culture

Six out of 10 Indian employees are actively looking to switch jobs in 2026, according to a new Great Place To Work India study. The study has highlighted a strong rise in job-switching intent among Indian employees, with a majority actively considering a change in 2026. The findings are part of the organisation’s latest Voice of India study on job-switching trends, based on a nationwide survey.

According to the report, 62 percent of employees working in typical workplaces are currently looking for new job opportunities. Among those planning a move, 70 percent expect to leave their current organisation within the next year, indicating a decisive shift in how employees approach career changes.

The study points to workplace culture, leadership quality,

and flexibility as key factors influencing employee decisions. It found that 66 percent of employees considering a job change are willing to accept a pay cut if it means better working conditions and greater flexibility.

Employees with poor workplace experiences were significantly more likely to quit, while the intention to leave was reduced by nearly half in organisations offering a positive work environment.

Certain sectors and workforce groups showed even higher job-switching intent. In the healthcare, biotech and pharmaceutical sectors, 81 percent of employees planning to switch jobs said they expect to move within 12 months.

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Among younger workers, 76 percent of Generation Z and 68 percent of millennials indicated plans to change jobs within a year. The trend is also strong among leadership roles, with 73 percent of supervisors and frontline managers considering a near-term exit.

Employees preparing to leave reported 20 to 27 percent lower satisfaction levels, particularly around pay fairness, work-life balance, recognition, and communication from management. Confidence in leadership and opportunities for innovation were found to reduce the likelihood of quitting.

The study also flagged higher early attrition and a wider gender gap in typical workplaces, especially among women. Overall, the findings suggest that organisations must focus on building trust, strong leadership, and positive employee experiences to retain talent in an increasingly competitive job market.