Indian professionals optimistic about 2021, 40% expect increase in new jobs: LinkedIn

LinkedIn's year-end data reveals 2 in 5 Indians expect an increase in the number of new jobs, and 1 in 2 expect their companies to do better in the next six months.

LinkedIn year-end report (REUTERS)

LinkedIn has released its year-end report highlighting the key trends of 2020 among working professionals, and predictions for the coming year. 2020 was a year of uncertainty but Indian working professionals share an optimistic view for 2021.

According to LinkedIn's year-end report, 2 in 5 Indians expect an increase in the number of new jobs, and 1 in 2 expect their companies to do better in the next six months. LinkedIn adds that the steady growth of hiring rate which increased to 46% year-on-year in October is part of this optimism. LinkedIn also highlighted the increase in online learning with the platform witnessing a 3X increase in LinkedIn Learning courses. The trend will continue in 2021 with 3 in 5 professionals saying that they will spend more time in online learning courses. Cert Prep: Project Management Professional, Online Marketing Foundations, and Time Management: Working from Home are some of the popular LinkedIn Learning courses.

As we head into 2021, LinkedIn shared its ‘Future of Work' predictions starting with flexible work policies becoming more common among companies. This year, as almost every company moved to working from home, only 1 in 4 Indian professionals were offered flexible work hours and well-being support during the beginning of the lockdown, LinkedIn said.

Remote working has also led to an increase in virtual events this year. LinkedIn witnessed a 4x growth in virtual events since March, and India is one of the top 5 countries creating virtual events on LinkedIn. “Given this swift emergence of virtual collaboration, professionals will welcome the new world of work by expanding their tech skills and remote work acumen,” LinkedIn said in its report.

Online learning in 2021 (LinkedIn)

Online learning in 2021 (LinkedIn)

2021 will also see Indians being more open to different career paths. LinkedIn says professionals from industries such as recreation and travel are 2.7x more likely to look for jobs in a different sector. Another interesting trend is the rise in ‘solo entrepreneurs' in 2021 with people making the most out of the internet to launch their own ventures.

Virtual interviews are going to be the new standard in 2021 as virtual recruiting increased by 81% this year, and it will continue even post-Covid. LinkedIn also expects diversity and inclusion to increase in 2021. This year with remote learning, there was an increase of 30% in April among female workforce participation which increased to 37% by the end of July. This was witnessed in industries such as services, education, healthcare, media and communications.

Mental and emotional stress increased among Indian professionals this year. (LinkedIn)

Mental and emotional stress increased among Indian professionals this year. (LinkedIn)

LinkedIn also suggests companies practice “healthy doses of compassion to keep their employees at the centre of all strategies.” With 2020 being a year of uncertainty especially in the job market, the mental and emotional stress also increased among working professionals. 4 in 5 of unemployed professionals feel stressed, and only 1 in 3 Indians expect a pay hike. Companies are encouraged to increase activities such as talent acquisition, employee engagement, and learning & development for a “holistic employee experience.”