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A growing number of employees in India are beginning to prioritise long-term financial and personal security over immediate pay, according to new findings by staffing firm Genius Consultants.

Amid rising living expenses and changing workplace expectations, employees are seeking a more comprehensive definition of compensation—one that extends beyond their monthly salary.

In a nationwide survey of 1,139 professionals across industries, 74 per cent said they would willingly accept a slightly lower salary if it came with stronger long-term benefits, reported PTI. These benefits include offerings such as health coverage, retirement plans, and education-related assistance. The data underscored a marked shift in what employees now value in their overall compensation package.

Most Workers Feel Underserved by Current Benefits

While expectations around benefits have evolved, the current offerings appear to lag behind. Only 32 per cent of surveyed employees believed their organisation’s benefits package adequately supports their financial well-being. A significant 61 per cent expressed dissatisfaction, stating their current benefits were falling short of their needs.

Mental and financial health, two of the most critical dimensions of employee wellness today, are also being neglected, the report revealed. According to 54 per cent of participants, their employers do not consider these aspects while designing wellness initiatives. This signalled a growing gap between the well-being programs offered and the real needs of the workforce.

Workplace flexibility also emerged as a key factor in financial planning. An overwhelming 84 per cent of employees said hybrid or remote working options help them better manage their expenses. The findings suggested that flexible work arrangements have a broader impact beyond convenience or productivity—they directly influence how workers save and spend.

Incentives and Flexibility Shape New Compensation Expectations

Another important takeaway from the report is the growing demand for performance-based pay structures. Around 73 per cent of respondents believed that bonuses and incentives tied to individual performance would ease their financial stress. This preference reflected a shift toward compensation systems that are more adaptive and rewarding based on merit, rather than flat or fixed pay structures.

The evolving mindset among India’s workforce is clear: compensation today is not merely about the pay cheque. It’s about securing the future, accommodating personal goals, and receiving recognition for performance.

“Financial well-being is no longer limited to take-home salary, it includes long-term security, flexible work, and incentives that support individual life goals,” said R P Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director of Genius Consultants. He further emphasised that “organisations must recognise that offering sustainable, future-focused benefits is not just an HR function, but a strategic investment in employee loyalty, productivity, and growth.”