Lagatar24 Desk
A new report by Indeed, Work Ahead, highlights that mid-career professionals in India are driving artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in the workplace, using it not only as a tool for efficiency but as a pathway to career growth and job security. The survey of over 3,000 professionals across 12 industries found that 43% feel confident about using generative and agentic AI in the next two to five years.
Mid-Career Professionals at the Forefront
Contrary to expectations that younger workers would lead digital adoption, mid-career professionals aged 35–54 are showing the strongest momentum. Nearly half (49%) of them feel comfortable with AI-enabled workplaces, compared to just 36% among those aged 18–24. Additionally, 56% of mid-career workers are actively pursuing AI training, outpacing younger counterparts. Their motivations include career advancement (42%), staying updated with emerging technologies (39%), and improving efficiency (38%).
AI as a Workplace Essential
The report reveals that AI has transitioned from being optional to essential in Indian workplaces. One in three employees expects to use generative AI regularly, while one in four is preparing to adopt agentic AI. Beyond white-collar roles, even blue-collar workers are using AI for tasks such as paperwork management, workflow efficiency, and customer interaction. Significantly, 72% of blue-collar workers acknowledged that technology has positively impacted their jobs.
Barriers to Upskilling
Despite growing enthusiasm, challenges persist. Four in ten workers cited lack of time for training, while others pointed to insufficient hands-on support (33%), fear of mistakes (26%), and limited access to resources (24%). Employees expressed the need for user-friendly tools (32%), dedicated learning hours (31%), supportive low-pressure environments (30%), and self-paced online options (29%). The report also noted unequal access: while 90% of workers feel competent using workplace tech, only 38% of blue-collar workers have received formal company training, forcing many to rely on colleagues.
Future Outlook
Indeed’s head of sales, Sashi Kumar, emphasized that the rise in agentic AI adoption shows Indian workers are not just adapting to technological changes but actively shaping them. The findings suggest that AI will continue to redefine work across industries, with mid-career professionals leading the transformation and setting the pace for the next phase of India’s workforce evolution.
