The survey, conducted during the first quarter of 2026, covered more than 2,200 CEOs, CFOs, and corporate real estate leaders across 21 countries.

Contrary to concerns that AI will replace employees, Indian businesses expect the technology to create more opportunities. Nearly 58% of senior business leaders anticipate workforce growth over the next three to five years, while 62% believe AI will make human roles more valuable rather than eliminate them. Additionally, 65% expect employee performance to be evaluated increasingly on the quality of work delivered rather than the number of hours worked.

India outperformed the global average across all eight AI readiness indicators tracked by JLL. Indian companies are ahead in monitoring AI trends, assessing AI’s impact on corporate real estate, training employees, managing organizational change, and identifying new locations as automation expands.

Despite this leadership, implementation remains slow. Only 19% of Indian companies have reached the most advanced stage of AI adoption in their real estate operations, compared with 15% globally. Overall, 47% of Indian firms are actively deploying AI, higher than the global average of 42%, but the majority are still waiting for broader organizational decisions before redesigning workplaces.

Ajit Kumar, Managing Director, Work Dynamics Accounts, West Asia, JLL, said India’s challenge is no longer financial but capability-driven.

“For the first time in 15 years of tracking this data, Indian companies identify skills shortages rather than budget as the primary barrier to AI adoption. Companies that treat AI as a skills development challenge and invest in workforce capabilities will lead India’s workplace transformation over the next decade,” he said.

The survey marks a significant shift in corporate priorities. For the first time in JLL’s 15-year survey history, 46% of Indian companies identified shortages in AI, technology, and data skills as the biggest challenge to workplace transformation, while only 35% cited budget constraints. This indicates that access to skilled talent has overtaken funding as the primary obstacle.

Technology investment is becoming a top priority. Half of Indian companies plan to increase spending on AI support systems, while 49% will invest in technology infrastructure to improve productivity. However, technology is also viewed as the biggest source of future business risk. Cybersecurity and data privacy, along with AI-driven disruption, were each cited by 46% of respondents as major concerns, while 39% remain uncertain about AI’s long-term impact on office space requirements.

The report also highlights evolving workplace trends. Indian employees are expected to work from the office an average of 3.8 days a week, slightly higher than the global average of 3.7 days. Nearly 62% of companies require employees to be physically present for four to five days every week.

Businesses are also adopting a long-term approach to real estate decisions. Around 73% would rather invest in AI-enabled buildings than spend only on routine maintenance, while 72% prefer securing long-term office locations over flexible leases. About 71% prioritize long-term transformation instead of immediate cost-cutting measures.

Interestingly, companies increasingly value access to skilled talent over digital infrastructure. More than half (54%) said proximity to talent is more important than being close to data centres, underlining India’s continued reliance on its skilled workforce as a competitive advantage.

The cost structure of offices is also changing. Energy expenses and AI automation costs, each cited by 49% of respondents, are expected to be the biggest drivers of future office expenditure. Office rent ranked only sixth, with just 29% considering it a major contributor to rising costs, reflecting a significant shift in how companies view workplace expenses.

To accelerate AI adoption, JLL recommends that companies prepare for multiple workplace scenarios, combine external AI expertise with internal skill development, and improve collaboration between HR, IT, finance, and real estate teams. The report concludes that organizations capable of translating AI ambition into execution will be best positioned to shape the future of work in India.

Also Read: Mumbai Leads India’s Real Estate Market in Q1 2025

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The allotted land, an amalgamated 6,019.10 sqm plot (C-44 & C-48) in G-Block, has been leased to NPCI for 80 years. The possession letter was officially handed over during Mumbai Tech Week 2025, an AI-focused event organized by the Maharashtra government.

NPCI Expands Presence in Mumbai’s Financial District

NPCI, which oversees retail payments and settlement systems in India, had requested MMRDA to allocate commercial space in BKC for its expansion. With this approval, the corporation is set to strengthen Mumbai’s position as a fintech and digital payments hub.

NPCI has played a key role in India’s digital payments landscape through platforms like Unified Payments Interface (UPI), RuPay, Immediate Payment Service (IMPS), Aadhaar-enabled Payment System (AePS), and National Electronic Toll Collection (NETC). The new headquarters is expected to support NPCI’s expansion in both domestic and international markets, reinforcing its role in global digital transactions.

Boost to Fintech and IT Sector

MMRDA’s decision is expected to attract fintech startups, technology firms, and investors focusing on digital payments, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and blockchain innovations. BKC, already a major financial district, is likely to see increased activity from businesses leveraging NPCI’s digital payments infrastructure.

The headquarters will serve as a collaborative hub for banks, fintech companies, and regulators to develop next-generation payment solutions. The move is expected to generate employment opportunities and foster advancements in real-time payments, cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and AI-driven financial services.

Government’s Vision for Mumbai as a Fintech Hub

The Maharashtra government has been pushing initiatives to position Mumbai as a leading global fintech destination. The allocation of commercial space for NPCI aligns with this vision, ensuring that the city remains at the forefront of financial technology developments.

Eknath Shinde stated that MMRDA has been focused on strengthening Mumbai’s financial and technological ecosystem, and NPCI’s presence in BKC will drive fintech innovation. Metropolitan Commissioner Dr. Sanjay Mukherjee emphasized that the move is part of MMRDA’s broader strategy to support institutions that drive economic growth and digital transformation.

The establishment of NPCI’s global headquarters in Mumbai marks a significant milestone for the country’s fintech sector and is expected to accelerate India’s leadership in digital transactions and financial technology innovation.

SFI Analysis

The allocation of land to NPCI in Bandra Kurla Complex (BKC) marks a strategic push to strengthen Mumbai’s role as a global fintech hub. As India’s leading digital payments entity, NPCI’s expansion will attract fintech startups, technology firms, and institutional investors, fostering innovation in AI-driven financial services, cybersecurity, and blockchain. The move aligns with India’s growing dominance in digital transactions, reinforcing its leadership in global payment solutions. By securing a presence in Mumbai’s financial district, NPCI is well-positioned to drive financial inclusion, enhance transaction security, and develop next-generation payment technologies, ensuring continued growth in India’s digital economy.

Also Read: MMRDA Appoints Contractors for Three Major Creek Bridges in Thane

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The inauguration event was attended by Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan, Minister for IT and Digital Services, Government of Tamil Nadu, and Manesh Patel, Global Operations Leader, EY GDS. The ceremony featured a traditional lamp-lighting, keynote speeches, a panel discussion on Coimbatore’s role in global capability centers, and a cultural performance.

The Coimbatore office will primarily focus on Consulting services, particularly technology and innovation, while also expanding opportunities in Tax and Assurance. Key areas of expertise will include AI, data analytics, cloud services, cybersecurity, digital and quality engineering, ERP platforms, and financial services platforms.

Manesh Patel stated that the expansion underscores EY GDS’s commitment to utilizing Tamil Nadu’s exceptional talent to drive innovation and long-term growth. He highlighted Coimbatore’s business ecosystem as an ideal setting for the company’s technological advancements and service delivery.

Dr. Palanivel Thiaga Rajan emphasized that EY GDS’s presence in Coimbatore strengthens Tamil Nadu’s reputation as a hub for skilled professionals and digital transformation. He noted that the new office would generate employment, enhance workforce capabilities, and contribute to the state’s technological advancement.

The 22,000 sq ft facility features modern amenities and aligns with EY GDS’s strategy to expand its global talent network. With over 74,000 professionals across nine locations and 21 cities, EY GDS continues to play a crucial role in EY’s global growth strategy by delivering scalable, technology-driven solutions.

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