The Indian workforce is among the most optimistic about the economic situation in the country, according to the Randstad Workmonitor Survey 2012 released by HR firm Randstad in India.

Many employees who responded to the survey said they received a pay hike in 2012 (for the period 2011) with 83 per cent of the respondents surveyed having received a pay hike while the world average was only 55 per cent. Nine out of 10 employees, across all income groups, expect a pay hike in 2013.

The quarterly review tracks jobseeker confidence and provides trends relating to the employment market. It covered 30 countries encompassing Europe, Asia Pacific and the Americas.

The survey indicates a high level of optimism in India in comparison to the world average of only 41 per cent, who felt that the economic situation was good. The survey also revealed that 90 per cent of Indian employees feel that their organisation was in good financial health, this is higher than the world average of 72 per cent, says the survey.

In the survey, 87 per cent of employees stated that their workload had increased significantly in 2012 and 93 per cent have indicated preference towards better work-life balance in 2013.

E. Balaji, Managing Director and CEO, Randstad India, said that while the economic downturn continues globally, it is heartening to see that Indian employees are optimistic about the country’s economic situation and their employer’s stability. This is an opportunity for the line managers and human resource professionals to boost morale and drive productivity.

Balaji added that 2012 was a challenging year for both employees and companies. So, it is no surprise that employees perceive an increase in workload. Employers should take cognisance of this fact and address the work-life balance issue, to prevent disengaged employees.

Also, this will help address attrition that is likely to increase when the job market picks up, he said.

> raja.simhan@thehindu.co.in

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