Psychological Safety Can Double Millennial Retention, Shows Great Place To Work® Report

As India’s workplaces continue to transform in the face of generational shifts, emerging technologies, and changing employee expectations, new research from Great Place To Work® India provides an in-depth view of how the millennial workforce is experiencing the workplace in 2025.

The study, based on employee feedback across sectors, offers a nuanced understanding of millennial perceptions related to wellbeing, job security, career development, and organizational culture. These insights are particularly relevant as millennials comprise a significant portion of India’s workforce and are actively influencing workplace norms and priorities.

While the overall experience reported by millennials remains positive across several areas, the findings suggest opportunities for employers to refine their approach to enhancing employee experience.

The report reveals that perceptions of employee wellbeing vary across dimensions. Physical wellbeing was rated the most positive, with most millennials agreeing they work in physically safe environments. Social and mental wellbeing also received relatively positive responses. However, financial wellbeing is the lowest-scoring area, with one in four millennials indicating they are being paid unfairly for the work they do. This suggests a need for organizations to understand and address equity and pay parity among their employees.

The research further revealed that while most millennials reported a positive experience on psychological and emotional safety at work, 17% indicated they do not experience the same. This gap is not just a matter of any individual’s wellbeing, it has direct implications for overall organizational performance.  The study highlights that millennials who feel psychologically safe are twice as likely to express the desire to stay longer with their organisation, underscoring the critical role this plays in driving employee trust, retention and commitment.

Balbir Singh, CEO, Great Place To Work®, India, commended,

"In the year 2025, millennials represent a vital mass of 63% of India's workforce. Our recent study indicates that while millennials feel empowered through training and learning, they highly value holistic wellbeing and seek psychological safety, opportunities for growth, and job security. Organizations that listen to and act on this feedback do noticeably better in terms of overall experience and retention of millennials, thereby improving trust levels and organization’s overall performance. As millennials continue to pursue growth and  impact opportunities, they are shaping the workplaces of today and guiding the next generation entering the workforce. I strongly commend the organizations that are investing in millennials and establishing environments in which every generation can flourish. Congratulations to the winners of India's Best Workplaces™ for Millennials 2025 study for setting the highest standards of excellence."

In terms of career development, a majority of millennials said they had access to training and development opportunities over the past year, and most felt equipped with the resources and tools needed to perform their jobs effectively. However, only 47% reported having access to significant opportunities to innovate, which may limit their ability to apply newly acquired skills or contribute ideas in meaningful ways.

The data also sheds light on employee retention and job security. Fifteen percent of millennials expressed an intent to leave their current organization, with higher rates observed in sectors such as IT and Professional Services. In contrast, industries like Retail and Manufacturing showed a relatively lower attrition risk. Additionally, one in five millennials reported experiencing job insecurity, indicating that organizational communication and transparency may be key areas for improvement.

India’s Best Workplaces™ for Millennials 2025 have been recognized in 2 categories – Large organizations (with 1000 and more employees) and Mid-sized organizations (with 100-999 employees).

Here are the Top 10 (out of the Top 50) India’s Best Workplaces™ for Millennials 2025 in the Large Organizations category (with 1000 and more employees) in alphabetical order:

• Aye Finance Limited
• HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited
• Hilton
• Intercontinental Hotels Group
• ISS Facility Services India Private Limited
• ITC Hotels Limited
• PNB MetLife India Insurance Company Limited & MetLife Global Operations Support Center
• SIS Limited
• Synchrony International Services Private Limited
• Welspun Living Limited

The report offers an actionable lens for employers seeking to understand the evolving expectations of millennial employees better. As workplaces continue to adapt to changing times, these insights can empower leaders to make more informed decision-making around policies, programs, and leadership practices. By aligning to the needs of a dynamic and diverse workforce, organizations can foster a culture of trust and sustained business performance.