Labour reforms are fundamentally reshaping India's employment landscape, driving a structural shift towards formalised gig and contract hiring that has become a permanent feature of corporate workforce strategies. Quess Corp CEO Lohan Bhatia emphasises that this transformation represents a strategic evolution rather than a temporary adjustment.

Structural Transformation in Gig Economy

The rise in gig hiring reflects a fundamental change in how companies approach workforce management. Contract roles currently account for around 10-11% of total IT demand, demonstrating the deep integration of flexible work models into corporate hiring strategies. Companies are leveraging contract talent for project-based work, specialised technology roles, and short-duration assignments while maintaining core teams focused on business-critical functions.

"Gig and contract hiring is now structural, not temporary. Companies are using flexible staffing not just for cost control, but to manage volatility, scale faster and access niche skills," Bhatia explained.

Impact of Labour Code Reforms

Clearer labour codes governing wages, social security, documentation, and compliance are encouraging companies to move away from informal arrangements. The regulatory framework is driving greater deliberation around compliance, cost visibility, and workforce structuring.

"Labour reforms are bringing clarity. Companies now have a clearer view of their obligations, and that is driving formalisation across the workforce," Bhatia noted.

Hiring Trends and Market Dynamics

Despite global uncertainty, India's IT job market demonstrated remarkable resilience in 2025. The sector recorded nearly 1.8 million job roles, representing a 16% increase from 2024. This growth reflects sustained confidence in India's long-term economic outlook.

Global Capability Centres emerged as significant stabilisers, with their share of total IT hiring rising from 15% to 27% as multinational companies expanded strategic operations in India.

Sector-Wise Hiring Resilience

Hiring resilience was most pronounced across several key sectors:

• BFSI: Strong demand for AI-enabled roles in credit underwriting and fraud detection
• IT Services: Continued growth despite selective hiring approach
• Healthcare: Sustained recruitment in essential roles
• Manufacturing: Increased demand for AI-enabled predictive maintenance roles
• Global Capability Centres: Strategic capability hub development

Skills Evolution and AI Impact

The job market is experiencing a clear shift from volume-based to value-driven hiring. Demand remains strongest for professionals with 4-10 years of experience in artificial intelligence, machine learning, cloud engineering, and cybersecurity. Large-scale fresher hiring has remained muted, particularly for entry-level positions.

AI is reshaping skills requirements rather than eliminating jobs entirely. While demand for repetitive and legacy roles is declining, hiring is increasing sharply for GenAI-related positions including prompt engineering, AI operations, and AI governance.

Future Outlook and Growth Projections

Looking ahead, Bhatia expects hiring growth of 12-15% in 2026, driven primarily by specialised roles rather than large-scale recruitment. Key growth areas include:

• Artificial intelligence and machine learning
• Cybersecurity and data infrastructure
• BFSI sector expansion
• Manufacturing automation
• Global Capability Centre development

"The job market will be defined by precision, not scale. High-value skills, adaptability and sustainable workforce models will matter more than sheer numbers," Bhatia concluded.

Companies are increasingly adopting a "grow-to-fill" model over traditional "hire-to-fill" approaches, investing heavily in reskilling existing workforce to build AI capabilities internally.

Source: https://www.ndtvprofit.com/business/labour-reforms-driving-structural-shift-in-indias-gig-hiring-says-quess-corp-ceo-exclusive

Quess Corp Limited has announced a senior management personnel change with the resignation of its Chief Business Officer from the Origint division. The company has disclosed this development to stock exchanges in compliance with regulatory requirements.

Senior Management Departure

Mr. Mohit Mathur, who served as Chief Business Officer - Origint, has tendered his resignation from the position effective from the close of business hours on January 05, 2026. The resignation has been attributed to personal reasons, as stated in the official communication.

Regulatory Compliance

The disclosure has been made pursuant to Regulation 30 read with Part A of Schedule III of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015. The company has submitted the requisite information to both BSE Limited and National Stock Exchange of India Limited.

The filing references SEBI Master Circular No. SEBI/HO/CFD/PoD2/CIR/P/0155 dated November 11, 2024, ensuring compliance with the latest regulatory guidelines for senior management personnel changes.

Official Communication

In his resignation letter addressed to Quess Corp Limited, Mr. Mathur confirmed that there are no other material reasons beyond personal circumstances for his decision to step down from the position. He expressed gratitude to colleagues and management for their support during his tenure and extended best wishes for the company's future endeavours.

The resignation letter was submitted on January 05, 2026, coinciding with the effective date of his departure from the senior management role. Company Secretary & Compliance Officer Kundan K Lal (Membership No.: F8393) has signed the regulatory disclosure on behalf of the company.

Corporate Information

The information regarding this senior management change is also available on the company's official website at www.quesscorp.com . Quess Corp Limited operates from its headquarters at Quess Tower, Sky Walk Avenue, Bengaluru, Karnataka, and maintains its commitment to transparent corporate governance practices through timely regulatory disclosures.