Office return rises, but burnout grips half of staff
A majority of workers in India have shown enthusiasm about coming back to their workplaces, though many express concerns about maintaining work-life balance and managing stress, research released on Tuesday found.
The 2025 JLL Workplace Preference Barometer revealed that 82 percent of Indian professionals work under policies requiring them to be present at their company locations, with roughly eight out of 10 viewing these arrangements favorably. Technology firms, banking and financial services institutions, and educational organizations are leading the push for in-person attendance. Most employees, about 83 percent, rate their current office settings as nearly perfect, far exceeding the 64 percent regional average across Asia-Pacific markets.
However, workplace stress remains a significant problem, with 54 percent reporting moderate to high levels of exhaustion from their jobs. When considering new employment opportunities, six in 10 workers prioritize adaptable schedules above other factors, surpassing the 54 percent regional norm. The research suggests companies must create environments that workers genuinely want to join rather than simply requiring attendance, according to Kamya Miglani, who leads work dynamics research for Asia-Pacific at JLL. Organizations should address employee fatigue through sustainable practices while providing meaningful schedule flexibility.
