86% Indian Employees Faced Higher Workplace Disruption In 2025: Report
above global average: Report
According to the latest Human Progress Report by Educational Testing Services (ETS), workers in India report experiencing significantly more workplace disruptions than the global average, while also making a stronger push towards skills development and skills validation. Princeton-based ETS, known for conducting major exams such as TOEFL and GRE, conducted the study, which reveals how the Indian workforce is adapting to rapid changes in technology, job responsibilities and performance expectations, as professionals increasingly attribute career stability to their ability to continually develop and demonstrate relevant skills.
According to the report, 86 percent of workers in India experienced major workplace disruption in the past year; This was significantly above the global average of 67 percent reporting at least one major change in the past 12 months.
“The findings show that workplace change has become a defining feature of the employment landscape in India. Many workers are adapting to new tools, evolving role requirements and increasing demand for future-ready talent, while also seeking clearer and more reliable ways to benchmark their skills,” the report said.
“As job markets become more dynamic and the adoption of AI accelerates, professionals across industries are placing greater emphasis on continuous learning and validated competencies to remain competitive,” he said.
The findings show that as workplace disruption accelerates, many professionals in India remain relatively confident in their ability to adapt and advance, reflecting a workforce that is both under pressure to improve and increasingly motivated to invest in future-ready talent.
The 2026 ETS Human Progress Report is based on a global survey that identifies workforce trends in 18 countries and draws on the views of more than 32,000 respondents; This is the largest dataset since the report’s inception.
The study reflects the lived experiences of workers navigating rapid technological and workplace changes and offers an integrated view of skills readiness, credential access, and adaptability in an AI-driven economy.
“In the face of a changing business environment, workers are adapting quickly; four in five workers are developing new skills, even though many cannot envision their future jobs. Adapting is becoming the new ‘must-have’ skill,” said Amit Sevak, CEO of ETS.
The report also highlighted the increasing integration of artificial intelligence into daily business across India.
“Employees estimate that more than 42 percent of their current roles involve manipulating AI tools, a higher share than the global average, reflecting how rapidly technology is reshaping job roles and performance expectations. Many professionals say this shift is increasing the pressure to continually develop new capabilities to remain effective and competitive,” the report said. The statement was included.
“Alongside this acceleration in technology adoption, demand for formal ways to verify skills is also growing. Nine out of ten survey respondents believe verified credentials are essential as skill requirements evolve in the workplace, and many have a strong interest in benchmarking their skills against industry peers.”
The findings revealed that as career paths become less predictable, evidence of skills is increasingly critical for occupational mobility and long-term suitability.
The 2026 ETS Human Progress Report shows that workers across markets around the world are moving towards sustainable workplace transformation due to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence and changing expectations around future-ready skills.
“As employers, training providers and policymakers respond to these changes, the research underscores the growing need for clearer standards and reliable systems to measure skills and help individuals turn their learning efforts into tangible career opportunities in an increasingly technology-enabled economy,” he said.
