76% of Indian workers face year-end project pile-up

A study by Atlassian reveals that 76% of Indian knowledge workers face a year-end project pile-up.

The global research surveyed 6,000 workers from India, Australia, the US, France, Germany, and the UK, highlighting challenges experienced by knowledge workers during the final months of the year. The survey, which included over 1,000 respondents from India, identified unexpected challenges, overcommitment, and shifting priorities as the main reasons for incomplete projects.

According to the survey, 36% of respondents cited unforeseen hurdles as the primary cause for not completing projects. Additionally, 32% admitted that their teams had taken on more work than they could realistically manage, while 31% pointed to changing goals and priorities as significant factors in failing to meet deadlines.

Molly Sands, Head of Teamwork Lab at Atlassian, commented on the findings: "While the end of the year often brings pressure to wrap up projects, it's also a chance to reassess your priorities. Many of us try to do too much at once, which slows us down and compromises quality. Instead, use this moment to let go of low impact projects, focus on the outcomes that truly matter, and set yourself up for a fresh, focused return. That kind of clarity and intention is invaluable."

The study revealed a concerning "out of sight, out of mind" trend. While 36% of respondents said they maintain a "new year, same priorities" approach, 25% acknowledged having good intentions but poor follow-through. Nearly 28% of participants admitted to selectively revisiting unfinished projects, with 10% confessing that some projects are forgotten entirely.

Generational differences emerged in the findings. Gen Z and Millennials were more likely to let projects slip, with 14% and 11% admitting to doing so, respectively. By contrast, Gen X appeared more focused on completing their tasks by year-end, with 40% stating they aim to finish their work compared to 29% of Gen Z and 31% of Millennials.

The importance of asynchronous work was also highlighted, especially during the holiday season when coordinating with team members can be challenging due to mismatched schedules and fluctuating energy levels. Asynchronous work allows tasks to move forward without requiring all team members to be present simultaneously.

The study provided practical tips for teams to maintain momentum into the new year. It suggested being realistic about one's calendar and dropping low-impact projects to focus on what truly matters. It recommended thinking "async first" to avoid unproductive meetings, and capturing context through clear documentation to maintain clarity after the holiday break.

Molly Sands added, "Many companies lack the right tools and norms to support their employees during stressful periods. As a result, their teams automatically resort to meetings and synchronous ways of working. In contrast, companies that rely on effective asynchronous working methods can act much faster. This approach not only reduces stress but also improves workflow and gives employees the opportunity to start the new year with renewed focus and confidence."