78% Indian Employers Intend To Hire Women In Blue-Collar Roles

New Delhi: In a promising shift towards workplace inclusivity, 78% of Indian employers intend to hire more women for blue-collar roles in 2025, up from 73% last year, according to a report by job platform Indeed. Despite this positive trend, women currently hold only 20% of blue-collar jobs across the country, highlighting the persistent gender gap in labor-intensive sectors. Industries like retail and healthcare lead the way, with 32% female participation, while sectors such as banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), information technology (IT), and telecommunications report less than 10% representation of women in their workforce. The report suggests that while employers are showing a stronger intent to diversify, systemic barriers still limit progress.

Financial independence emerges as a primary driver for women seeking blue-collar work, with 70% of respondents citing it as their main motivation. However, workplace challenges persist — 42% of women feel underpaid compared to their male counterparts, and many struggle with rigid shift timings that make work-life balance difficult. Limited career growth opportunities and lack of access to upskilling programs further hinder women’s long-term participation in these roles.

“While businesses are making efforts to hire more women, true progress depends on better retention strategies, career growth opportunities, and policies that ensure financial security, flexibility, and healthcare,” said Sashi Kumar, Head of Sales at Indeed India. He emphasized the need for targeted investments in skilling, mentorship, and leadership pipelines tailored for women in blue-collar roles.

Meanwhile, government initiatives are playing a crucial role in empowering women workers. As of March 3, over 30.68 crore unorganised workers have registered on the e-Shram portal to access social welfare benefits, with 53.68% of them being women.