Indians ready to forgo money for meaningful work

Anxieties over career choice widen with age, shows survey.

Indians would rather contribute to something more important and meaningful than take home a fat package, shows a survey.

A new international workforce survey conducted by Kelly Services, a human resources solutions company based in Michigan, has found that people in India derive a greater sense of pride and self confidence in their jobs than workers in any other country.

The survey also found that more than half are prepared to accept a lower wage or a lesser role if their work contributes to something worthy.

The Kelly Global Workforce Index sought the views of nearly 100,000 people in 34 countries, including approximately 3,500 in India.

According to the survey, 94 per cent of people in India say their work gives them a sense of pride and 92 per cent say it raises their self confidence. In addition, 62 per cent of people in India will forgo income or status to do something more meaningful.

Dhirendra Shantilal, senior vice-president, APAC, Kelly Services, says: “A significant number of people place value on work which is personally satisfying, which builds competence and self-belief, and which helps to advance long-term career goals.”

The survey demonstrates the value of work in building pride and self confidence, and highlights differing views across the generational divide.

The findings confirm those in the 30-plus age bracket are relatively more concerned about their career directions. Those in the 18-29 years group are more comfortable with their career paths, but more likely to switch jobs in the coming year.

Across all generations, males (62 per cent) as compared to females (60 per cent) are more likely to be concerned about career prospects and plan to look for alternative work.

Shantilal adds that the findings highlight the importance of employers helping to bring out the best in their workforce by tailoring work that is engaging, stimulating and which encourages people to learn new skills.

“The aspirations of employees will change markedly over the course of a career, so it is important to recognise the things that are important at each stage in order to build and maintain a motivated, stable and high-performing workforce,” says Shantilal.