KPMG survey: 90% of Indian CEOs wish to link rewards to office attendance

A survey by KPMG has revealed that over 90% of Indian CEOs want to link employee rewards, such as promotions and raises, to in-office attendance.
This comes as businesses aim to bring employees back to pre-pandemic work models and encourage greater physical presence at the workplace.
The KPMG 2024 CEO Outlook Survey, released on October 3, found that 91% of CEOs in India, compared to 87% globally, are ready to reward employees who regularly attend the office with promotions, pay increases, and favourable job assignments.
This reflects a growing commitment by Indian companies to move back to in-office work environments after the pandemic saw a shift to remote working.
The survey also mentioned that 78% of Indian CEOs expect a full return to office-based work in the next three years, slightly below the global figure of 83%.
Indian CEOs see improving the employee value proposition as the key to attracting and keeping top talent. This includes creating a supportive and engaging office culture that aligns with the company’s long-term goals.
“CEOs in India are committed to improving the employee value proposition to attract and retain top talent. By rewarding in-office work and fostering a supportive environment, organisations can align employee satisfaction with long-term growth objectives, nurturing talent, ensuring well-being, and thereby creating a vibrant workplace culture,” said the survey.
Sunit Sinha, Partner and Head of Human Capital Advisory Solutions at KPMG in India, said that in the post-COVID-19 era, it’s critical for businesses to understand the evolving preferences of employees. As employees reconsider their work options, companies must adapt to remain competitive in the job market.
“As the trend of employees reassessing their work preferences in the post-COVID-19 era gains momentum, it becomes imperative for businesses to gain a comprehensive understanding of the talent landscape in India,” said Sinha.
He added that using data on talent availability, quality of life, and other key metrics can help businesses attract top talent by addressing their needs and expectations. “The power to shape the future of talent lies in staying informed and adapting proactively.”
The KPMG survey also explored the role of technology, particularly generative AI, in enhancing workforce skills. Half of Indian CEOs are prioritising skill development alongside their investments in AI, reflecting the growing importance of technology in the workplace.
CEOs in India see generative AI as a way to upskill employees and promote diverse skills across the workforce. By incorporating AI into operations, businesses can help employees develop new skills and prepare for a future where technology plays a more prominent role.
The survey highlighted the importance of making AI initiatives inclusive. This would allow all employees, regardless of their seniority or background, to contribute meaningfully to the organisation’s growth and transformation.
The survey was conducted as part of the tenth edition of KPMG’s CEO Outlook. Between July 25 and August 29, 2024, KPMG surveyed 1,325 CEOs globally, including 125 from India.