Caring trumps compensation, according to survey

Okay, maybe I’m just out of touch with today’s workforce. First, employees say they will take a promotion without a pay raise. And now, a new survey shows that job seekers are looking for a caring company over a high base salary.

The poll, conducted by Monster.com and Unum, finds that the top-rated item on would-be employees’ wish lists was a company “that truly cares about the well-being of its employees.”

Some 87% rated caring as a top quality, much higher than compensation, which was tops for 66%.

I never thought of myself as a Gordon Gekko type of person, but seriously, who are these people?

Anyway, these clearly much kinder, broader thinking, more selfless people than myself also prioritized:
- Challenging and fulfilling work (84%).
- Job security (82%).
- An attractive benefits package (74%).

“Employees, job-seekers and HR leaders understand the importance of a caring corporate culture in recruiting and keeping a talented workforce,” says Mike Simonds, SVP for Unum. “Benefits play an important role in supporting that culture.”

Much more important, it seems, than money. Now there’s something to show your CFO.

What do you think? Would you rather get rich at a cutthroat company, or get paid decently at a caring one? Share your thoughts in the comments.