In an interview with TimesTech, Sunil Chemmankotil, Country Manager of Adecco India, shares key insights from the Global Workforce of the Future Report 2024. He discusses India’s AI adoption, job security concerns, and the nation’s proactive approach to upskilling and reskilling. With 35% of workers future-ready and 86% prioritizing internal talent development, India sets an inspiring example for navigating workplace transformation.
Read the full interview here:
TimesTech: What are the key findings for India in Adecco’s Global Workforce of the Future Report 2024, especially regarding AI, job security, and reskilling needs?
Sunil: India’s workforce is at a critical juncture as rapid technological advancements reshape industries. Our Global Workforce of the Future Report 2024 highlights both challenges and opportunities for Indian workers. A striking 37% of Indian employees express concerns about job losses due to AI — much higher than countries like Japan, where only 4% hold similar concerns. This signals an urgent need for tailored strategies to address such anxieties and enhance the positive impact of AI. Nevertheless, India demonstrates significant resilience, with 35% of the workforce identifying as future-ready, far outpacing many other nations. This is largely thanks to robust employer support for skill development and personalized career pathways, as seen in 97% of our future-ready respondents. Additionally, with 86% of Indian employees prioritizing upskilling over external hiring, it is clear that reskilling and developing internal talent will play a key role in navigating the evolving job market.
TimesTech: With 35% of Indian workers identifying as “future-ready,” what factors contribute to this readiness, and how does India compare to other countries?
Sunil: India leads the charge in fostering a future-ready workforce, with 35% of workers claiming this status compared to just 2% in Japan. Key factors driving this include a strong emphasis on employer-supported skill development programs, with 98% of Indian workers participating in soft and leadership skills training. Personalized development plans and robust leadership initiatives create a culture of continuous improvement, ensuring that employees are well-prepared to adapt to emerging technologies, including AI. This proactive approach highlights the adaptability and resilience of India’s workforce, positioning us ahead of many global counterparts.
TimesTech: The report shows that AI saves Indian workers 78 minutes daily. Can you share examples of how companies here are leveraging AI to boost productivity?
Sunil: Companies in India are harnessing AI’s potential across multiple sectors to streamline operations, reduce routine workloads, and boost overall productivity. In the financial services industry, AI is used for data analysis and fraud detection, automating labor-intensive processes and allowing employees to focus on strategic initiatives and customer engagement.
In the manufacturing sector, AI-powered predictive maintenance systems monitor equipment health in real-time, reducing downtime and optimizing production efficiency. Additionally, supply chain operations benefit from AI-driven demand forecasting and inventory management, which improves planning and reduces waste.
AI-powered customer service tools, such as chatbots and virtual assistants, are also widely adopted across tech and retail industries. These tools provide instant responses, reduce wait times, and enable human agents to handle more complex queries, enhancing overall customer satisfaction. Moreover, AI-based recruitment platforms are helping HR teams streamline candidate screening, leading to faster and more effective hiring decisions.
TimesTech: With 86% of Indian workers favouring upskilling over external hiring, how does Adecco support this shift toward developing internal talent?
Sunil: At Adecco, we recognize the importance of developing internal talent and aligning it with evolving industry needs. We support organizations in building comprehensive upskilling and reskilling strategies that encompass both technical and soft skills. Our approach focuses on personalized training plans, continuous learning opportunities, and leadership development programs tailored to specific needs. By nurturing talent from within, we help organizations create a more resilient and adaptable workforce, ready to meet current demands and prepare for future challenges. This strategy also enhances employee engagement, satisfaction, and retention.
TimesTech: Given that 54% of Indian employees report burnout, how is Adecco addressing well-being to help clients manage this challenge?
Sunil: Employee well-being is a top priority at Adecco. We collaborate with organizations to implement initiatives that promote a healthy work-life balance, flexible work arrangements, and access to wellness and mental health support. Leadership plays a vital role in cultivating a positive workplace culture that prioritizes employee engagement and mental health. By adopting a holistic approach to workplace well-being, we aim to reduce stress, enhance resilience, and create a supportive environment that allows employees to thrive even in times of rapid change and increased workloads.
TimesTech: Since only 32% of Indian workers receive formal AI training, what steps does Adecco recommend to enhance AI readiness?
Sunil: To bridge the gap in AI training, we recommend a strategic focus on building comprehensive, accessible learning pathways for AI skills across all levels of the workforce. Organizations should create tailored training programs that address practical, job-specific applications of AI, fostering hands-on learning experiences. By integrating AI education into broader talent development initiatives and promoting a culture of continuous innovation, we can ensure that employees feel confident and capable of leveraging AI technologies. Collaborative efforts with educational institutions and professional mentors can further enhance AI proficiency, helping India remain competitive in an increasingly digital and AI-driven global economy.
