Everyone has a professional holy grail. A job that apportions time as much to the hearth as to the cabin: to employ a trite old usage, a job that guarantees work-life balance. A job that guarantees discretionary income would have lustre in someone’s eyes. Then there are those who might be drawn to a job-for-life, one promising secure employment.
If one lined up all these salutary factors, and got people to think through them and choose the one factor they would want in their work life, which do you think would trump all others? Indeed’s inaugural Future Career Resolution survey sought an answer to a somewhat similarly framed question. And the respondents overwhelmingly voted a job that has enough built-in flexibility for them to focus on their personal life, to the top spot. According to the survey, nearly four in five Indians (78%) prioritise family time with spouses, children and parents over career advancement in 2025.
The study explored employee aspirations across key APAC markets—including India, Singapore, Australia, and Japan — to reveal a growing focus on work-life harmony. Employees want less stress and more focus on mental well-being while being in well-paid jobs that they enjoy and offer flexibility for family and personal interests.
Over one in four Indian employees (27%) have identified increasing their earning capacity as their top resolution for 2025. Many employees are also feeling the financial pinch as inflation continues to outpace salary growth, with respondents stating not having a competitive salary as the biggest obstacle.
In metropolitan areas such as Delhi and Mumbai, the escalating cost of living has driven a substantial portion of the workforce to seek additional sources of income. In fact, 41% of workers are already exploring or engaging in side gigs to maintain financial stability and offset the rising expenses. As per the report, despite the desire to earn more, many employees are less inclined toward pursuing leadership roles.
Hiring strategies
Over half of the respondents (55%) express confidence in the expansion of opportunities in emerging sectors and industries. In preparation, employees are actively working to build diverse skill sets and are staying flexible and open to new job opportunities or relocations.
Key skills identified for career advancement in 2025 include emotional intelligence and conflict resolution, data literacy and analytical abilities and advanced technology competencies such as AI, machine learning, and coding, says the report.
Close to 59% of Indian employees also expect to see a shift in hiring practices, with a stronger focus on skills-based recruitment over traditional degree-based qualifications. This trend reflects the growing demand for job roles in emerging areas such as technology and AI, where practical expertise and hands-on skills often outweigh formal educational credentials.
Career aspirations
When compared with other countries in APAC, there are some similarities and differences. Close to one-third of Australia’s workers (29%) and 24% of Singapore’s workers rank increasing their earning capacity as their primary career resolution for 2025, similar to India. Almost one in five workers in Japan (19%) shared having the same goal, though that is not the top priority. However, workers in Singapore, Australia and Japan are seeking meaning in their work alongside higher salaries in 2025. This aspiration is strongest in Japan, where 23% of workers ranked earning more while doing what they love as a top priority.
Methodology
More than 6,000 employees and job seekers across Singapore, India, Japan, and Australia took part in the survey. The participants were evenly divided by age and career stage, ranging from fresh graduates to senior professionals.
Published – February 05, 2025 10:51 am IST