ManpowerGroup India released its Global Talent Barometer 2026, providing an insight into workforce sentiment across 19 countries, including India. India scored a top position in the rankings with a score of 77%.
India’s overall Global Talent Barometer score of 77% was derived from three indices: well-being (77%), job satisfaction (64%), and confidence (90%). Workers in India report the highest levels of skills and confidence. 95% expresed confidence in their abilities to perform their jobs. However, the same cannot be said for job satisfaction or loyalty, as only 38% Indian employees are satisfied in their roles.
“India’s Global Talent Barometer score of 77% points to a workforce that remains confident and capable, with 95% of workers confident in their skills and an overall confidence level of 90%. However, this optimism is under strain. Job satisfaction stands at 64%, over half of workers experience moderate to high daily stress, while 75% report burnout driven by workload and long hours,” said Mr Sandeep Gulati, Managing Director, ManpowerGroup India and Middle East.
“Nearly half the workforce is choosing to ‘job hug’, while many continue to explore new opportunities,” Gulati highlighted. “The message from the data is clear: confidence alone will not sustain engagement. Employers that invest in visible career pathways, manager trust, and employee well-being will be better positioned to retain talent, drive long-term workforce resilience, and turn today’s confidence into sustained productivity.”
- Well-Being: At 77%, the well-being index declined marginally from last year (79%). 93% find work meaningful and purposeful, 53% experience moderate to high daily stress, 93% feel aligned with company values and 87% feel supported in work-life balance.
- Job Satisfaction: At 64%, the satisfaction index also declined marginally from 2025 (65%). 38% are satisfied with their current job, 54% feel their job is secure, 84% trust their managers, and 41% expect a possible job loss soon.
- Confidence: At 90%, the confidence index is down by 4% vs last year. 95% are confident in their skills for the current role, 89% have career development opportunities, 84% have promotion opportunities, and 90% are confident in their ability to use AI (-4%).
Within India, 75% of workers report experiencing burnout, citing high workloads (35%) and pressure/long hours (30%). Despite high meaning and values alignment (93% each), 53% report moderate to high daily stress. Blue-collar workers report the lowest overall well-being (68%), driven by high work-related stress. Middle managers (95%) and white-collar workers/senior managers (94%) find the most meaning & purpose in their work, yet are the most stressed work groups.
Additionally, Gen Z women (64%) report the highest levels of high daily stress. Meanwhile, amongst eight sectors, Energy & Utilities records the lowest well-being (72%). While 48% of workers plan to stay, 84% are already hunting for a job, as 41% expect a job loss soon.
The report pointed towards three trends that need to be watched carefully:
- Persistent burnout offers an opportunity for differentiation, as daily worker stress remains high: nearly three in four workers (75%) say they are currently experiencing burnout.
- Cautious stability with active job hunting is becoming increasingly imperative as fewer workers plan to remain in their current positions (48%).
- Restoring worker confidence is crucial, as automation skills gaps are beginning to erode it.
The results of the Global Talent Barometer 2026 are based on responses gathered from over 1,000 workers across India between September 1, 2025 and October 1, 2025. It reveals a complex landscape of employee well-being, job satisfaction, and confidence in the rapidly evolving world of work.
