Middle East Crisis Triggers Job Freeze in 63% of Indian Firms

 

Summary: A new survey reveals that 63% of Indian companies have either paused hiring or are trimming their workforce due to rising tensions in the Middle East. The geopolitical uncertainty is also affecting salaries, workload, and employee morale, prompting many professionals to upskill or seek alternative roles.

Middle East Tensions Hit Indian Job Market: Hiring Freeze in 63% Firms, Says Survey

Amid growing instability in the Middle East, Indian workplaces are feeling the heat. According to a recent survey, 63% of Indian companies have either halted hiring or started cutting jobs in response to escalating geopolitical tensions.

The report, released by Genius Consultants, highlights a growing concern among both employers and employees. Conducted between May 12 and June 6, the survey collected responses from over 2,000 employees across various industries in India.

Alongside the hiring freeze, 15% of companies are shifting their focus to contract-based or freelance roles to maintain flexibility during uncertain times.

Salary growth is also taking a hit. Around 36% of employees said their bonuses, appraisals, or salary hikes have been affected. At the same time, 22% reported disrupted international business travel, and 21% said team morale has suffered. Increased workload and tighter deadlines were also noted by more than one in five workers.

The emotional impact is equally striking. 30% of respondents said they are extremely worried, already noticing early warning signs at their workplaces. Another 26% are cautiously observing the developments, unsure of what’s next.

But many workers are not waiting idly. Over half (55%) have started learning new skills or enrolling in professional certifications. Meanwhile, 31% are already on the lookout for new job opportunities or backup roles.

R P Yadav, Chairman and Managing Director of Genius Consultants, said the current scenario reflects a fundamental shift in the job landscape. “The external world is reshaping internal work realities at a faster pace than many expected. We're not just reacting to a crisis- we are stepping into a new era of work,” he said, adding that the companies to remain transparent and flexible while employees continue adapting through resilience and skill-building.