A recent survey by Zoho Workplace highlights a critical gap in India’s digital transformation journey: only 37% of Indian organizations provide cybersecurity training to their employees. This figure is significantly lower than the Asia-Pacific (APAC) average of 44% and the global average of 41%, signaling a pressing need to address employee readiness against cyber threats.
The “Workplace Digital Transformation Survey 2025” by Zoho Workplace predicts that India will reach its peak in workplace digital transformation within the next decade. Despite a digital workplace transformation maturity score of 64.6%, surpassing both developed nations and the global average of 62.3%, India lags in cybersecurity preparedness.
The survey, which analyzed data from 5,000 employees worldwide, assessed the digital adoption rate in organizations through a workplace digital transformation (DX) maturity model. This model evaluates digital tools, processes, and employee performance metrics such as productivity, collaboration, and security preparedness.
“In India, government institutions and large enterprises must rethink their digital strategies to bridge cybersecurity gaps and foster collaboration,” said Rakeeb Rafeek, Market Strategy Lead at Zoho Workplace. He emphasized the need for leadership to promote initiatives that simplify advanced digital tool adoption, enabling startups and enterprises to embrace innovations like AI-powered analytics, integrated suites, and secure communication platforms to combat current and future challenges.
The survey revealed that while 74% of Indian organizations enable employees to report suspicious emails through their email client, 26% rely solely on manual judgment. Moreover, only 17% of Indian workplaces have advanced security alert systems for suspicious emails, with government and development sectors leading in adoption at 36% and 39%, respectively.
Another significant challenge arises from shadow applications—tools used without IT team approval. In India, shadow apps are most prevalent in file sharing and storage (47%), communication (41%), and note-taking (28%). These unauthorized tools introduce risks such as security vulnerabilities and compliance issues.
The findings also highlighted varying levels of digital adoption in other areas. Over half (56%) of Indian workers use integrated, automated calendars, but 10% still depend on personal apps or avoid using calendars entirely. Project tracking is widely practiced, with 38% of managers using project boards and 41% holding regular team meetings. However, manual task delegation persists for 37% of respondents, with only 14% utilizing automated systems, particularly in large enterprises and healthcare.
Communication tools show a mix of adoption patterns. While 63% of organizations rely on email for announcements, 68% use chat platforms for team updates. These statistics underline the fragmented approach to digital tools in Indian workplaces.
The report underscores the urgency for Indian organizations to invest in robust cybersecurity training and adopt comprehensive digital transformation strategies. As workplaces evolve, equipping employees with the right tools and training is vital to address emerging cyber threats and ensure a secure digital future.