India’s workforce is leading the global shift back to offices and doing so enthusiastically. A new report from JLL reveals that 82% of employees in India are now required to work a fixed number of days from the office, and 83% express a positive attitude toward these back-to-office policies. Far from being a reluctant return, the data paints a picture of employees who are not just adapting but thriving in redefined workplaces.
According to JLL’s Workplace Preference Barometer 2025, Indian companies have struck a rare balance, one that combines flexibility, design innovation, and employee well-being. The result? Eight in ten employees describe their workplace as “close to ideal,” a figure far higher than the Asia-Pacific average of 64%. The technology sector, financial institutions, and education firms are leading this wave of return-to-office adoption.
Workplaces Evolve, Not Regress
“This is a pivotal moment for Indian organizations,” said JipuJose James, Managing Director, Project & Development Services (PDS), India, JLL. “As hybrid work matures, we see 83% of employees expressing positive sentiment toward return-to-office policies, underscoring the need for workplaces to be high on human-centered design.”
The report highlights a key shift: flexibility remains essential, but it’s no longer just about working from home. Six in ten employees now prioritize flexibility as their top consideration when choosing a new employer. This could mean flexible hours, personalized hybrid schedules, or even the freedom to choose workspaces within the office itself. In other words, flexibility has evolved from a convenience into a competitive advantage.
Flexibility as the New Talent Magnet
India’s job market is becoming increasingly talent-driven, and flexibility has emerged as the currency of attraction. Sixty percent of employees in India say they would select a new employer primarily based on the availability of flexible work options, outpacing the Asia-Pacific average of 54%.
For companies, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Organizations that genuinely understand and integrate flexibility into their culture are likely to attract and retain top performers. Those that don’t risk losing skilled workers to more adaptable competitors.
Turning Positive Sentiment into Productivity
High morale is a good start, but the next step is to translate positivity into performance. JLL recommends a three-part strategy.
First, the workplace itself must be worth the commute, through thoughtful design, collaboration-friendly layouts, and comfort-driven amenities that make in-office work rewarding. Second, flexible scheduling needs to evolve beyond “two days at home, three in office” formulas, allowing personalized arrangements that respect individual needs. And third, organizations must strengthen well-being initiatives, particularly to address burnout and commuting fatigue, both of which remain major concerns.
Burnout: The Hidden Challenge
Despite the optimism, not everything is smooth sailing. The report flags that 54% of Indian employees experience moderate to high levels of burnout, a worrying sign for productivity and retention. High workloads, long commutes, and blurred boundaries between work and life are key stressors.
Burnout is not just a wellness issue; it’s a business risk. Over half the workforce feeling fatigued means millions of employees operating below their best potential. It also correlates strongly with attrition: six out of ten employees say they would switch jobs for better flexibility and well-being support.
Organizations that treat flexibility and wellness as strategic investments rather than employee perks will find themselves better equipped to tackle this challenge. Providing options for staggered schedules, encouraging downtime, and embedding well-being into performance culture can all make a measurable difference.
AI and Learning: The Next Frontier
The report also found that 96% of India’s workforce is already using AI tools, well above regional averages. This rapid adoption highlights a shift toward tech-enabled, continuous learning workplaces where employees are actively reskilling for the future. As JipuJose James noted, “Those able to balance productivity, flexibility, and continuous learning will define the next decade of business success in India.”
India’s Competitive Edge
What sets India apart is the convergence of several forces — a young workforce, adaptable employers, and a culture that thrives on in-person collaboration. Together, they’re giving Indian companies a head start in redefining what the modern office can be.
“The foundation of positive sentiment has been established — now the opportunity lies in converting this enthusiasm into sustained engagement, enhanced productivity, and organizational excellence,” said Kamya Miglani, Head of Work Dynamics Research, Asia Pacific, JLL. “Employers that wish to attract and retain top performers must move beyond simply mandating office attendance. They should focus on creating workplaces that employees actively want to be part of.”
The message is clear: India’s return to office isn’t a retreat to old ways of working, it’s a reinvention. A workforce that’s happier, more flexible, and open to innovation is setting the tone for how the world might rethink the office, not as a place of obligation, but as a hub of connection, creativity, and growth.
