Companies in India are expected to give a salary raise of 10% in 2023 as they struggle with rising attrition in the tight labour market, according to a report.
Global advisory, broking and solutions company Willis Towers Watson’s Salary Budget Planning report found that companies in India were budgeting an overall increase of 10% for 2022-23, compared with the actual 9.5% growth in the previous year.
According to the report, more than half (58%) of the employers in India have budgeted for higher salary increases for the ongoing fiscal year compared with last year, while a quarter of them (24.4%) made no change in the budget.
Only 5.4% have reduced the budget as compared with 2021-22, it added. The report revealed that at 10%, salary increases in India continued to be the highest in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region.
China is projected to see an increase of 6%, Hong Kong at 4% and Singapore at 4% for next year, it added.
The report was based on a survey across 168 countries in April and May 2022, which includes 590 organisations in India.
It further said about 42% of companies in India have also projected a positive business revenue outlook for the next 12 months, while only 7.2% have projected a negative outlook.
In addition, Information Technology (65.5%), engineering (52.9%), sales (35.4%), technically skilled trades (32.5%) and finance (17.5%) are expected to be the most sought-after functions for recruitment in the next 12 months.
Voluntary attrition rates in India continue to be amongst the highest in the region at 15.1%%, only second to Hong Kong, it observed.
“Last year saw actual salary increments being higher than budgets and this was largely due to better-than-expected business performance and the need to retain talent. Despite the economic headwinds, higher projections for 2023 reflect cautious business optimism and a continued tight labour market,” WTW Consulting Leader India, Work and Rewards, Rajul Mathur said.
The financial services, banking and technology, media and gaming sectors are expected to see the highest salary increase at 10.4%, 10.2% and 10%, respectively, he stated.
“We saw significant salary increases across sectors in 2022 and a similar trajectory is expected in 2023. With increased focus on technology enabled growth, the demand for digital skills is driving pay increases for tech talent, especially in the technology, media and gaming, banking and financial services sectors,” Mr. Mathur added.
According to the report, better-than-expected business performance also resulted in higher variable pay-outs in 2021-22 across career bands.
Companies are allocating more variable pay budgets to above average and top performers, it added.
“With such a dynamic business environment, coupled with a hot talent market, it is critical for organisations in India to develop a compensation strategy aligned with macro-economic realities, sector dynamics, business objectives and employee expectations.
We’re seeing organisations focus on long-term incentives, innovative career growth opportunities, flexible working and overall wellbeing to grapple with the current talent supply challenges,” Mr. Mathur added.
