ISS Unveils Insights from Global Survey about Belonging in the Workplace

Findings Highlight the need for Indian Employers to improve on their employee engagement initiatives

• Nearly half of Indian employees (54%) feel unwanted at work at least sometimes, highlighting the need for stronger employee engagement initiatives

• More than a third of respondents (34%) considered changing jobs due to negative emotions at work, while nearly a third (28%) actually tried to change jobs

• A majority of Indian employees (51%) report never feeling safe or able to be their authentic selves in the workplace. This suggests a need for increased inclusivity and diversity in Indian workplaces

• Nearly four in ten employees (39%) said that developing more inclusive policies would be the most effective way to make them feel more at home in the workplace

• On the flip side, despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, a significant number of Indian employees (30%) reported a marked increase in feeling a strong sense of belonging in their workplace

• While the pandemic may have had a positive impact on the sense of belonging felt by Indian employees, pay remains the most important factor when considering workplace value, according to 92% of employees.

• Benefits of face-to-face interaction and meetings (57%), Adoption of flexible and remote working policies (46%) and a return to working in the office (39%) were considered the key factors to value the workplace more in the past 12 months

July 18, Mumbai, India – The recent global survey conducted by ISS, a prominent company specializing in workplace experience and facility management, unveiled diverse insights, revealing a combination of positive trends and negative emotions. These findings emphasize the imperative for Indian employers to enhance employee engagement initiatives and address areas that require improvement.

Nearly half of Indian employees (54%) reported feeling unwanted at work at least sometimes, highlighting the need for stronger employee engagement initiatives. This also underscores the importance of fostering an inclusive work environment and employee recognition. By creating an atmosphere where Indian organizations genuinely value and appreciate their employees, they can unlock untapped potential and productivity.

Consequently, the survey found that more than a third (34%) of Indian employees considered changing jobs due to negative emotions at work, while nearly a third (28%) actually tried to change jobs. These findings underscore the urgent need for Indian organizations to address employee engagement and emotional well-being to cultivate a thriving workforce.

Additionally, the survey found that a majority of Indian employees (51%) never feeling safe or able to be their authentic selves in the workplace. This underscores a need for increased inclusivity and diversity in Indian workplaces. By fostering acceptance and respect, organizations can unleash the full potential of their diverse workforce, leading to increased innovation, collaboration, and overall employee well-being. In contrast, Switzerland reported no cases where employees felt unsafe.

Interestingly, nearly four in ten employees (39%) said that developing more inclusive policies would be the most effective way to make them feel more at home in the workplace. On the flip side, amidst the challenges of the pandemic, a remarkable positive shift has been unveiled in the Indian workforce, with 30% of employees reporting a significant increase in their sense of belonging, surpassing the global average of 14%. The disruption caused by remote work has led organizations to prioritize fostering stronger bonds and creating supportive environments.. While the pandemic may have had a positive impact on the sense of belonging felt by Indian employees, pay remains the most important factor when considering workplace value, according to 92% of employees.

Aksh Rohatgi, CEO and Country Manager of ISS India, shared his thoughts on the survey's results, stating, "Indian workplaces have undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years, driven by the adoption of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) policies and the integration of advanced technologies to empower workforces. These changes have led to a significant number of Indian employees experiencing a strong sense of belonging and valuing their workplace. We are encouraged by these positive findings, but we are also aware of the significant gaps in employee engagement and well-being that remain. The stark contrast to some other countries in terms of employees feeling wanted clearly indicates that there is opportunity to create more inclusive and supportive workplaces in India. As leaders, corporate chieftains have a responsibility to prioritize employee engagement, mental health support, and fostering an inclusive environment. By doing so, India can unlock the full potential of its workforce, driving innovation, productivity, and overall well-being as India looks at a bright future for the country as one of the most dominant economies.”

“At ISS, we believe in the power of recognizing and valuing our employees, fostering a culture of acceptance and respect. It is imperative for Indian organizations to prioritize employee engagement and create safe spaces where individuals can be their authentic selves. By doing so, we not only tap into our workforce's untapped potential and productivity but also promote mental well-being and job satisfaction. We must collectively strive to bridge these gaps and build a workplace environment where every employee feels valued, appreciated, and genuinely wanted."

As per the survey, 64% of Indian employees now value their workplace more than the global average of 34%, attributing it to the benefits of face-to-face interaction and meetings (57%, global - 45%) as well as more opportunities to socialize with colleagues (58%, global - 43%). A notable 39% believe that further development of diversity and inclusion policies would enhance their sense of belonging, compared to the global average of 19%. Moreover, an impressive 74% feel that their employers prioritize creating a sense of belonging among employees, surpassing the global average of 49%. These findings reflect a positive shift in the Indian workforce, with organizations actively working towards fostering a sense of belonging and recognizing the importance of employee engagement and well-being.

The survey also highlighted the factors contributing to a strong sense of belonging, emphasizing the significance of shared values within the organization. A remarkable 30% of Indian respondents cited alignment with the values of their workplace as a crucial factor in fostering a sense of belonging. In contrast, countries such as Denmark and Germany registered lower percentages of 16% and 17%, respectively, emphasizing the importance of shared values in cultivating a positive work culture.

About ISS Facility Services (India)

ISS Facility Services India, headquartered in Mumbai, is a subsidiary of the Denmark-based global facility management services and workplace experiences leader ISS A/S (ISS Group). The company started its operations in India in 2005 and today has over 43,400 employees managing more than 180 Mn. Sq. Ft. of area for over 1,000 clients across the country.

ISS's unique Integrated Facility Services (IFS) model, high standards of compliance and self-delivery, have helped create a huge differentiation in the marketplace. ISS also implements industry-leading IFS solutions to deliver savings, compliance, experiences, strategy innovation, impact, value, and enhanced brand reputation for its customers. Its industry capabilities and customer communities in India focus primarily on three broad areas,including Financial Services, Technology & Professional Services, and Industry & Manufacturing, which also includes Heavy Engineering, Healthcare, Pharma, and FMCG.

For media enquiries:

Khushbu A Sahay, ISS India

Email: Khushbu.sahay@in.issworld.com