India’s workforce ranks among the most skilled and technology-ready globally, yet rising stress levels reveal a growing gap between professional confidence and workplace well-being. The ManpowerGroup Global Talent Barometer 2026 highlights this paradox, showing that while Indian employees are confident and future-ready, many are struggling with heavy workloads, uncertainty, and burnout.

According to the report, 95% of Indian employees say they are fully confident in performing their roles, far above the global average. Nearly 90% also expressed readiness to adopt advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, underscoring India’s strong talent base, rapid upskilling, and adaptability in a digital economy.

However, this confidence contrasts sharply with everyday workplace realities. Despite India ranking first globally with a 77% employee well-being index score, many workers report long working hours, high pressure, and blurred boundaries between work and personal life. Experts caution that such rankings may not fully reflect the stress employees face across sectors.

Long working hours and constant connectivity have emerged as key stress drivers. Employees are expected to manage tight deadlines and heavy workloads while staying continuously available, raising concerns around mental health, productivity, and retention.

India’s skill confidence is driven by its fast-evolving digital ecosystem, widespread access to technology, and a young workforce eager to learn. While continuous upskilling has enhanced global competitiveness, it has also increased pressure on employees to constantly adapt.

Rising stress is not just a personal concern but an economic one. Burnout leads to lower productivity, higher attrition, and increased healthcare costs. For a country positioning itself as a global talent hub, neglecting employee well-being could undermine long-term growth.

Industry experts argue that solutions lie beyond pay hikes. Flexible work models, mental health support, realistic targets, and transparent communication are essential. Leaders are also urged to move away from equating long hours with productivity.

The report also notes a generational shift, with younger employees prioritising work-life balance, purpose, and psychological safety. Bridging the gap between confidence and comfort at work will be crucial to sustaining India’s talent advantage.