Indian Firms Acknowledge AI’s Office Impact, But Action Lags

Indian business leaders are acutely aware of how Artificial Intelligence will transform their office spaces. A JLL 2026 Future of Work Survey revealed that **77%** of leaders in India believe AI will alter office requirements, but a much smaller **19%** have actually started implementing these changes.

Despite this gap, India stands out globally for its AI readiness across various key measures. The country is leading in monitoring AI trends, evaluating its impact on real estate teams, and providing staff training.

India’s AI Implementation Pace

Indian firms are ahead in integrating AI into their real estate operations, showcasing a proactive approach. About one in five companies have reached an advanced stage of AI integration.

• **19%** of Indian firms are at the most advanced stage of AI integration in real estate, surpassing the global average of **15%**.
• **47%** of Indian companies are actively rolling out AI, compared to **42%** worldwide.

Skills Gap Emerges as Top Hurdle

For the first time in 15 years, a lack of skilled talent, not budget, is the primary barrier to AI adoption in India. This shift highlights a critical area for focus in the evolving workplace.

• **46%** of companies cite a lack of AI, technology, and data skills as their main limitation.
• This is significantly higher than the **35%** who point to budget restrictions.
• The skills gap in India is more pronounced than the Asia Pacific average of **42%** and the global average of **36%**.

AI’s Impact on Jobs and Expenses

While AI promises significant changes, Indian leaders remain optimistic about its effect on job growth. Many anticipate workforce expansion and see AI as a tool to enhance human roles rather than replace them.

• **58%** of senior leaders expect workforce expansion over the next three to five years.
• **62%** believe AI will enhance human roles, not replace them.
• **65%** foresee staff being increasingly evaluated on the quality of their work rather than hours logged.

The survey also points to a shift in what drives office expenses, with energy and AI automation costs becoming dominant. Ajit Kumar, Managing Director, Work Dynamics Accounts, West Asia, JLL, emphasized the importance of addressing this as a skills development challenge.

Companies that prioritize upskilling their workforce will be at the forefront of India’s workplace transformation. Indian companies also maintain a robust office presence, with staff required in the office an average of **3.8 days** per week, slightly above the global average of **3.7 days**.