HR Policies & Trends
Want Budget benefits? Gig workers must do this now
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has urged gig and platform workers to register on the e-Shram portal to access benefits announced in the Union Budget 2025-26. These include identity cards and healthcare coverage under Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana. A committee has been formed to suggest a framework for social security for gig workers.
India Inc focuses on diversity and flexibility to retain female talent
India Inc is advancing towards inclusive workplaces by focusing on flexibility, leadership programs, and AI-driven upskilling to support female employees. Companies such as TCS and Meesho are implementing hybrid work policies, while others like Myntra provide additional support for new mothers through the MynVive programme.
Mind the gender gap! Fixing inequities holds key to lower women attrition
Companies addressing pay parity and providing equitable benefits have seen lower female attrition rates, even though women remain underrepresented in leadership roles. Industries like GCCs and technology consulting show better representation but face significant drop-offs at higher levels due to systemic issues. Inclusive benefits like hybrid working and flexible hours for mothers contribute to retaining women employees.
Home advantage: Domestic recruiters score big at IIMs
Domestic companies, including startups and manufacturing firms, have significantly increased hiring during final placements at several IIMs, surpassing foreign multinationals. The hiring surge is attributed to rapid economic growth, increased demand in various sectors, and government initiatives, leading to a substantial rise in job offers and competitive salary packages.
More Indian women join workforce, but leadership roles remain elusive
India has seen a rise in women's workforce participation, supported by a decline in unpaid domestic work. However, women remain underrepresented in leadership roles and earn significantly less than men, highlighting persistent challenges in workplace equality and gender-based wage disparity.
Blue-collar workforce in India struggling for gender equality: Report
Women in India's blue-collar jobs continue to face systemic hurdles, being relegated to lower-skilled, lower-paid roles. The WorkIndia report highlights a decline in job opportunities for women in 2024, despite growth in telecalling and maid services, emphasizing deep-rooted gender inequalities in the workforce.
Around 80 pc of women-led biz face challenges with global payments: Report
Around 80 per cent of women-led businesses in India face difficulties with international payments, and 60 per cent struggle with complex regulatory compliances, hindering their global expansion. Limited financial resources and supply chain issues further challenge these enterprises, which represent just 15.4 per cent of businesses in the country.
Fear of becoming obsolete: How to hedge against AI stealing your job
Knowledge workers including administrators, financial analysts, and software developers should prepare for significant changes due to AI advancements. Embracing AI to become more productive and having a backup plan is essential. AI could transform or replace many high-paying jobs, making career adaptability crucial for future job security.
52% of women observe pay gaps, 76% prioritise flexibility, 29% seek AI upskilling: ANSR Women in Tech Report 2025
Women professionals in tech are experiencing improvements in workplace diversity. However, challenges like glass ceilings, pay disparity, and lack of mentorship remain. According to the Women in Tech Report 2025, confidence in AI use has increased among women, but unfair pay and limited career advancement opportunities continue to be significant issues.
Average India increment expected to be 8.8% in 2025 compared to 9% in 2024: Deloitte India Talent Outlook 2025
Pay hikes in Indian companies are expected to average 8.8% in 2025, slightly down from 9% in 2024, with around 75% of firms reducing or maintaining last year's increments. Top performers will see higher increases. Promotion rates will stay steady. Despite moderated attrition, 80% of companies plan to increase headcount, focusing on performance and talent differentiation.
Must Watch
4 mistakes every first-time manager makes and how to avoid them
Stepping into a managerial role can be challenging. New managers often make mistakes such as failing to set clear expectations, avoiding difficult conversations, blurring lines between authority and approachability, and neglecting employee development. Recognizing these pitfalls and addressing them through clear communication, empathy, balanced leadership, and fostering growth are key to successful team management.
Five in 10 Indian employees willing to leave jobs that don't offer flexibility: Survey
Randstad India’s Workmonitor 2025 survey reveals that 52% of Indian employees are willing to leave jobs without flexibility, while 60% would quit over poor manager rapport. The survey highlights a shift in priorities toward flexibility, inclusivity, and learning opportunities, with a notable emphasis on AI training and job alignment with personal values and goals.
India Inc pulls out all stops to give its workforce AI edge
India Inc companies like Wipro, Genpact, and Ericsson are investing heavily in AI-ready workforce initiatives, creating personalised training programmes and partnerships with universities. These efforts have resulted in substantial employee upskilling, particularly in AI, with a notable impact on employee retention and readiness for future workplace demands.
Job opportunities for women in India surge by 48%, led by growth in tech & emerging roles: foundit
Job opportunities for women in India have surged by 48% in 2025, driven by growth in technology and emerging roles. Key industries contributing to this increase include IT, BFSI, and Healthcare, with significant demand for early-career professionals and specialized talent in emerging technologies.
Nine in 10 women aspire towards leadership, yet unconscious bias and work-life balance remain key barriers : Survey
Nine in 10 high-achieving women in management roles aspire to lead but face systemic barriers, according to Interweave Consulting's survey. Despite 91% willing to invest in growth, 39% feel unconscious bias hinders them. Key issues include work-life balance, bias, and lack of support. Women demand clear evaluation criteria, visible role models, and better development opportunities.
As unsecured loans surge, so does demand for collection agents
Demand for loan collection agents has surged by over 30% in the past six months due to rising unsecured retail advances. TeamLease has recruited around 7,000 new agents for various financial institutions, with a focus on enhancing recovery efforts and integrating technology to improve collection rates.
