Many workers in India are preparing for the next wave of workplace change by embracing AI as a means to stay employable, grow in their careers, and secure future opportunities, according to The Work Ahead report, Indeed’s latest workforce study.
The survey of more than 3,000 professionals across India, including both white and blue-collar workers, found that 43% feel confident about the technologies they expect to use in the next two to five years, such as Generative AI and Agentic AI. Many see AI not just as a productivity tool, but as a skill that could open doors to higher pay, promotions, and new career paths.
Confidence is highest among mid-career professionals aged 35 to 54, nearly half of whom (49%) report being ready to navigate AI-integrated workplaces, outpacing their younger peers aged 18 to 24. Importantly, 56% of mid-career professionals say they want significantly more training to stay future-ready, compared to just 41% of their younger counterparts. Their top motivations include advancing their careers, staying updated with evolving technology, and becoming more efficient at work. Notably, nearly one-third of workers express concern about job security if they don’t keep up with technological change.
“There’s a determined confidence building across India’s workforce,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India. “Mid-career professionals, in particular, are not only using AI but actively seeking upskilling opportunities to master it. The rise in interest around Agentic AI signals that we are at the beginning of a transformation, one where job seekers are not just responding to change, but leading it.”
AI is becoming a core workplace skill
The survey reveals that AI has moved well beyond the hype cycle and into daily workplace reality. Among those surveyed, 34% expect to use Generative AI tools frequently in the near future. A quarter of respondents are already anticipating the adoption of Agentic AI tools – AI systems that can autonomously complete complex tasks. These tools are increasingly seen as essential alongside traditional workplace technologies like email and cloud storage, reshaping job descriptions and the skills employers value most.
Even in traditionally hands-on roles, AI is making inroads. Among blue-collar workers surveyed, 70% say technology helps them at work, and two in ten are already using Generative AI in their roles, from streamlining paperwork to improving customer service.
What workers need to stay employable
Overall, Indian professionals know what they need to succeed in this AI-powered future. Many are asking for dedicated time during the workday to learn and adapt. A significant portion of the workforce 29% is looking for access to self-paced online training programs to upgrade their skills on their own terms. While the appetite for learning is high, workers also want employers to create space, structure, and support to make that learning effective.
“As we move ahead, upskilling in AI wouldn’t just be good practice; it’ll be the career accelerator. Workers who build AI skills will be better positioned for higher pay, promotions, and future roles, a trend that we already see picking up”, Sashi added.
About the report
The Work Ahead is Indeed’s latest workforce insights series, exploring how AI is reshaping jobs and employees’ career expectations at work. The India edition is based on a survey of over 3,000 full-time professionals conducted in May 2025, including white and blue-collar employees as well as business leaders across key sectors.
Methodology
The research was conducted by Censuswide among a sample of 3001 Workers (blue-collar and White-Collar) and Business leaders across India. The data were collected in May 2025. The survey was administered across 12+ industries, including technology, retail, manufacturing, travel, legal, healthcare, HR, and more, spanning designation levels from clerical to business owners.