Indian workers stretch their horizons as the search for jobs goes global

Almost nine-in-ten Indian employees are willing to move for the right job, with many even prepared to relocate to another country or continent in order to secure a  preferred position, according to the latest survey from workforce solutions leader, Kelly Services®.

Key findings …

• 63% of baby boomers prepared to travel abroad for the right job, compared with 50% of Gen X and 49% of Gen Y
• Men are more willing to move than women
• Oil & gas and hospitality sector witness maximum global relocation (81% and 73% respectively)
• Top factors preventing people from moving abroad for job:
  * Family and friends (49%)
  * Cost of moving (28%)
  * Language barriers (8%)
  * Cultural differences (6%)

• More than one-third (43%) are working in the most ‘unconditional arrangement’
• Most common grievances reported by employees:
  * Long hours (34%)
  * Unusual hours (18%)
  * Living away from home (18%)
  * Multiple jobs (14%)
  * Excessive travel (13%)
• Most desirable destinations for globetrotting Indians job-seekers  are:
  * Europe (36%)
  * Asia Pacific (20%)
  * North America (19%)
  * Middle East (7%)
  * South America (5%) 
  * Africa (1%)

The findings are part of the Kelly Global Workforce Index, which obtained the views of approximately 97,000 people in 30 countries, including almost 2,000 in India.

“In an environment where the market for talent is becoming global, there is a growing realization that many individuals may have to relocate for work”, said Mr. Kamal Karanth, Managing Director Kelly Services.

In the current market scenario, employers face skill shortages in many areas and are thus turning to global markets to attract the best candidates. There are many skills that are in high demand globally and easily transferable across borders. These include skills in finance and banking, science, IT, and engineering.

“Many skills that were once specific to a region or country have now become global in its scope, meaning that job mobility becomes important for career advancement. In fast-growing sectors such as engineering, science, finance and healthcare, there is a diverse global demand that can present personal rewards and career opportunities for those willing to travel,” Mr. Karanth further added.

A total of 89% of the respondents said that they were willing to move for the right job. Out of these, 39% of the respondents said that they were prepared to move within the country while 49% were willing to relocate to another country or continent to secure a job of their choice.

About the Kelly Global Workforce Index™
The Kelly Global Workforce Index is an annual survey revealing opinions about work and the workplace from a generational viewpoint. Approximately 97,000 people from the Americas, APAC and EMEA responded to the 2011 survey. Analysis of the 2011 data was conducted by Echo Research. Kelly Services was the recipient of a MarCom Platinum Award in 2010 and a Gold Award in 2009 for the Kelly Global Workforce Index in the Research/Study category.

About Kelly Services®
Kelly Services, Inc. (NASDAQ:  KELYA, KELYB) is a leader in providing workforce solutions.  Kelly® offers a comprehensive array of outsourcing and consulting services as well as world-class staffing on a temporary, temporary-to-hire and direct-hire basis.  Serving clients around the globe, Kelly provides employment to more than 530,000 employees annually.  Revenue in 2010 was $5 billion.  Visit www.kellyservices.com and connect with us on Facebook, LinkedIn, & Twitter

For more information about these survey results and other key global findings, please visit the Kelly Global Workforce Index.