Work-life balance and big salary: How today’s job seekers are prioritising both – Times of India

As the dynamics of the modern workplace continue to evolve, Indian professionals are rewriting the rules of what they expect from a job. Gone are the days when hefty paychecks alone could seal the deal. Today’s workforce is making it clear: a healthy work-life balance is just as important as a fat salary.According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26 by Great Learning, a striking 82% of professionals in India now prioritise work-life balance alongside financial compensation. This shift in mindset reflects broader changes in professional aspirations, wellbeing standards, and how individuals envision long-term career satisfaction.

Beyond the paycheck: The pursuit of balance

The report shows that 51% of professionals are actively seeking new job opportunities, while another 31% are passively exploring better roles. Interestingly, those aged 45–60 are less inclined to make a switch, with only 39% actively job hunting. But among this group, a telling trend has emerged: 26% rate work-life balance above salary, underlining a significant generational shift in workplace values.While the demand for better compensation remains a strong motivator, the call for flexibility, mental wellbeing, and manageable workloads is rising rapidly. Employees aren’t just job hopping for higher pay—they’re hunting for a life that fits around their careers, not the other way around.

AI, confidence, and new workplace realities

In a surprising contrast to rising layoffs and automation anxieties, job retention confidence has increased. The Great Learning report reveals that 73% of professionals feel secure in their current roles, an 11% jump from last year. However, this optimism is uneven:

Despite looming AI disruptions, professionals are surprisingly positive about its impact. A strong 78% believe AI will benefit their careers, especially among MBA (89%) and B.Com (84%) graduates. On the other hand, BE/BTech professionals remain more cautious, perhaps due to slower hiring trends in the tech sector amid automation waves.

Upskilling is the power move

A common theme tying all these trends together is the rising importance of upskilling. For the upcoming financial year, 85% of professionals surveyed see upskilling as vital to their career growth, while 81% plan to invest in new technical abilities. The top skills in demand? Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Software Development, and Cybersecurity—fields aligned with future-ready roles.There’s also a noticeable shift toward shorter, cost-effective certificate programs over traditional Master’s degrees. These allow professionals to learn while working and provide quicker returns on investment.Despite the growing enthusiasm for learning new skills, several challenges continue to stand in the way. According to the Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26:

These insights underline the need for more flexible, inclusive, and cost-effective learning solutions that can support professionals across different life stages and responsibilities.

A future built on balance and growth

The Great Learning Upskilling Trends Report 2025–26 paints a clear picture: professionals want it all—fair pay, career growth, and personal wellbeing. Employers who hope to attract and retain top talent must meet these evolving expectations by offering flexible work cultures, competitive compensation, and continuous learning opportunities.In a world where burnout is real and skills can go obsolete fast, the modern job seeker isn’t chasing money alone—they’re designing careers that support a full, balanced life.