Employees say caring culture, benefits matter more than money: Survey

Challenging position, job security also important

When they're on the job hunt, would-be employees prioritize finding a caring company, fulfilling work and better benefits over dollars and cents, according to a survey by Monster.com in collaboration with employee benefits provider Unum.

The top-rated item on would-be employees' wish lists was a company "that truly cares about the well-being of its employees,” found the survey of 196 employed workers, 272 unemployed workers and 190 HR decision-makers in the United States.

Eighty-seven per cent of those surveyed rated that quality very important in their job hunt — and the result was nearly identical for employed and unemployed respondents.

Other priorities for people seeking employment are:

• A challenging and fulfilling position (rated very important by 84 per cent of respondents)
• Job security (rated very important by 82 per cent of respondents)
• An attractive benefits package (rated very important by 74 per cent of those surveyed).

Coming in lower in the rankings were dollars and cents: A high base salary was very important to 66 per cent and bonuses were very important to a little more than one-half, found the survey.

There is a strong connection between caring for the well-being of employees and financial protection beyond the paycheck, said Monster.com and Unum:

• 86 per cent of HR leaders said making sure employees and their families are taken care of is an important reason for providing financial protection benefits.

• 82 per cent of workers agreed that being offered financial protection benefits shows a company cares about the well-being of its employees.

"Employees, job-seekers and human resources leaders understand the importance of a caring corporate culture in recruiting and keeping a talented workforce," said Mike Simonds, senior vice-president for Unum. "Benefits play an important role in supporting that culture."

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