What makes for a beautiful love affair between an executive and that executive's employer? By far, the No. 1 factor is relationships with co-workers and clients.

Korn Ferry sent out a "Why I love my job" survey and received 350 responses. The answers ought to have workplace well-being experts shifting their emphasis from company culture and career growth opportunities to people who love people, because that's what makes most senior managers the happiest. Competitive pay barely made the list.

But before the deck chairs are all rearranged, consider this: A lack of career growth opportunities bubbled to the top when these same folks were asked about their most frustrating workplace features. And company culture emerged as the top priority when they were asked what might most improve their sentiment toward their employer.

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Here's how the data shook out:

Q: What do you love about your job?

  • Relationship with co-workers/clients: 43 percent

  • Company culture/values: 18 percent

  • Growth opportunities: 17 percent

  • Relationship with management/employer: 13 percent

  • Competitive pay/compensation: 6 percent

  • I do not like my job: 3 percent

Q: What is your greatest frustration on the job?

  • Lack of growth opportunities: 55 percent

  • Relationship with management/employer: 19 percent

  • I don't fit into the company culture/values: 14 percent

  • Low pay/compensation: 11 percent

  • Relationship with co-workers/clients: 1 percent

Q: What factor would most dramatically improve your feelings about your job?

  • Working for a company whose culture is aligned with my values: 47 percent

  • Clear advancement opportunities: 20 percent

  • More equitable compensation: 10 percent

  • I already love my job: 10 percent

  • Better development programs: 9 percent

  • An employer that offers more constructive feedback: 4 percent

"Today's employees need to feel their organization's culture honors what they value and what is important to them," said Korn Ferry Senior Partner Dave Eaton. "For example, if their organization gives lip service to a participative culture, but in reality decisions are made from the top down, they'll feel undervalued and may leave. It's incredibly important to focus on culture, especially during times of change, such as in a merger or acquisition."

 

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Dan Cook

Dan Cook is a journalist and communications consultant based in Portland, OR. During his journalism career he has been a reporter and editor for a variety of media companies, including American Lawyer Media, BusinessWeek, Newhouse Newspapers, Knight-Ridder, Time Inc., and Reuters. He specializes in health care and insurance related coverage for BenefitsPRO.