A recent survey by Blind, an anonymous professional network, has revealed that workers pushed out of the United States are being rehired in India at significantly lower pay. The survey, conducted among over 1,000 professionals who transitioned from US-based roles to positions in India, highlights a growing trend of cost-cutting by companies.
Key Findings of the Survey
According to the Blind survey, 68% of respondents reported a decrease in compensation after moving to India. The median pay cut stood at 45%, with some workers experiencing reductions of up to 70%. However, AI and machine learning engineers were the most shielded, with only 42% saying their opportunities shrank.
The survey also noted that the trend is prevalent across tech and non-tech sectors. “Companies are leveraging global talent pools to reduce costs, and India is a prime destination due to its large skilled workforce and lower wage expectations,” said a Blind spokesperson.
Impact on Workers
Many workers cited visa issues and company restructuring as reasons for their relocation. “I was given an option to either move to India or lose my job,” said a former Google employee who participated in the survey. “The pay cut was steep, but I had no choice.”
The survey also found that 55% of respondents were satisfied with their new roles despite the lower pay, citing better work-life balance and career growth opportunities in India.
Industry Reactions
HR experts say this trend is likely to continue as companies seek to optimize costs. “The gap in compensation between the US and India remains wide, making it attractive for firms to shift roles,” said an industry analyst. However, they cautioned that it could lead to talent drain in the US and increased competition in India.
