New Delhi, Feb 27: As India's job market evolves, employees are now demanding salary increases of 20-40 percent, particularly in high-growth sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Electric Vehicles (EV), and engineering, according to a recent Adecco India report. This surge in salary expectations reflects the increasing demand for specialized skills in these fields.
The report highlights strong hiring activity for niche roles within sectors like Electric Vehicles (EV), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), digital transformation, and cloud computing. These sectors are at the forefront of recruitment as businesses focus on expertise in emerging technologies and sustainability efforts.
In contrast, industries like banking, financial services, and IT have seen more stability in salary expectations, despite the fluctuating job market. The report also reveals a shift in employee priorities beyond just financial compensation. Today, workers are looking for meaningful work, career growth opportunities, and flexible working arrangements.
The growing influence of AI is also reshaping the workplace. Instead of seeing AI as a threat, employees increasingly view it as a growth enabler, which is driving significant investments in upskilling and workforce transformation. Companies are now prioritizing the development of technical skills, with a focus on AI-driven learning platforms, certifications, executive coaching, and leadership training. The demand for expertise in ESG, automation, and machine learning is escalating as businesses adjust to India’s changing economic environment.
India is rapidly becoming a leader in AI adoption within the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region, with 42 percent of businesses already integrating AI into their operations. The rise of cloud computing and AI-powered automation is transforming traditional job roles, creating new career paths, and underscoring the importance of continuously developing relevant skills.
Companies now see AI as a tool to enhance productivity rather than eliminate jobs, further emphasizing the need for employees to stay ahead of technological changes and continue improving their skill sets. To remain competitive in this dynamic job market, businesses must prioritize upskilling initiatives and provide flexible work environments.
Karthikeyan Kesavan, Director & Head of Permanent Recruitment at Adecco India, highlighted the importance of adapting to these shifting trends, noting, “As businesses navigate a rapidly changing talent landscape, strategic hiring and skills-focused compensation structures are more critical than ever. The demand for AI, cybersecurity, and cloud expertise continues to rise, making it essential for companies to offer competitive salary packages and upskilling opportunities to attract and retain top talent.”
