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Journalism of Courage
The future of work in India is being dictated by its youngest professionals, but not in the way employers might expect. A new report by Indeed reveals that entry-level and junior employees are the primary drivers behind the rapid adoption of work behaviours—from ‘quiet quitting’ to ‘job hopping’—forcing organisations to urgently redefine engagement and loyalty.
According to the Indeed Workplace Trends in India Report, a commanding 68 per cent of employers acknowledge that new workplace trends are mostly engaged by entry to junior-level employees. The data pinpoints this generation as the engine behind the new work norms, including quiet revolt and exit-prep behaviours such as resenteeism and career cushioning.
The report highlights that 58 per cent of Gen Z employees have engaged in these quiet revolting and exit-prep behaviours at least once in their career.
This acceleration of new behaviours has deepened a fundamental disconnect between management and staff. While employees may see their actions as necessary for survival and career progression, practices like micro-retirements and AI-driven routines are seen as adaptation —employers often interpret them as signs of disengagement or disloyalty. As the report states, “What feels like adaptation to employees often looks like erosion to employers”.
These exit-prep behaviours have become highly visible, particularly in high-pressure environments. The E-Commerce sector emerged as a key hotspot, with 57 per cent of employees in the industry admitting to engaging in revolting and exit-prep behaviours at least once, a figure described as much higher than other sectors.
Commenting on the shift, Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales, Indeed India, emphasised that these practices are not a sign of rebellion. “People are adopting experimental practices from skill shifts to flexible routines,” he noted. “This is not a rebellion, but as resilience strategies. Recognising and supporting these behaviours is key for organisations to stay relevant, retain talent, and build stronger workplaces”.
For the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as the top workplace priority among Indian employees, surpassing concerns about salary and burnout.
Workers are increasingly viewing AI as a personal mentor and problem-solving partner, using it to validate ideas, identify efficient solutions, and plan their career paths. According to the report, seven out of ten Indian employees now rely on AI to support decision-making and professional growth.
The study also highlights new behavioural trends shaping the modern Indian workforce. One such trend is skill nomadism—a practice of frequently switching roles, acquiring new skills, and adapting to evolving technologies. This approach not only enhances employability but also allows workers to explore diverse career opportunities.
Another emerging pattern is micro-retirements, where employees take short, intentional breaks to recharge, retrain, or pursue side projects instead of stepping away from their careers entirely. These mini time-outs reflect a growing demand for flexibility and a healthier work-life balance.
