A recent study by HR solutions provider CIEL HR has highlighted growing concerns among Global Capability Centres (GCCs) in India regarding talent retention and evolving workforce dynamics. As the GCC landscape matures, organizations are grappling with shifting employee expectations, increased attrition, and rising competition for niche digital skills.
Key Findings from the Study
- 52% of GCC professionals are actively exploring new job opportunities, revealing a concerning trend of job-switching intent and employee disengagement
- 51% of GCCs in India identified talent retention as their biggest challenge in 2025
- The composition of the GCC workforce is shifting:
- Entry-level roles have dropped from 32% to 22%.
- Mid-to-senior level roles have increased by 77%, reflecting a 14-point rise
This shift indicates a growing demand for experienced professionals who can lead digital transformation initiatives across areas such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and cloud computing
“This shift points to an increased demand for professionals with ‘ready-now’ capabilities to lead digital innovation in AI, ML, and cloud technologies,” the study said
The Emerging Talent Crisis in GCCs
India’s GCC ecosystem — which has long been a preferred destination for global enterprises due to its abundant tech talent — is now at a crossroads. With entry-level talent supply shrinking and a spike in demand for advanced digital skills, the competition for seasoned professionals has intensified.
The demand-supply gap is putting pressure on GCCs to rethink their hiring strategies, invest in employee engagement, and create more robust career growth paths to retain top talent.
The demand-supply gap is putting pressure on GCCs to rethink their hiring strategies, invest in employee engagement, and create more robust career growth paths to retain top talent.
What This Means for the Future of GCCs
The findings underscore a critical moment for GCCs in India. As these centers evolve into strategic hubs of innovation rather than mere cost-saving entities, employee satisfaction, skill development, and leadership grooming will be central to sustaining growth.
Companies must move beyond traditional retention models and:
- Create clear upskilling and reskilling pathways
- Foster strong workplace culture and flexible work options
- Align career opportunities with the aspirations of mid-senior professionals
With India playing a pivotal role in the global digital economy, GCCs that invest early in workforce strategy will be best positioned to lead innovation at scale
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