Employees consider both the benefits a company provides and career development prospects when choosing a job, according to a survey by the Shanghai Foreign Service Company.

The survey found that the most popular benefits are a housing allowance, followed by travel and a low-interest mortgage loan, the survey showed.

Shanghai Foreign Service Company based the survey on interviews with 4,012 people working at foreign companies. Most of those interviewed were less than 35 years old and had worked fewer than four years at their current company. About 36 percent of interviewees were managers.

It found that employees appreciate flexible working hours, paid holidays and fitness cards so that they can find the right balance between work and private time.

As for career development, the survey found that people prefer training the most, followed by overseas positions and promotions. They also expressed a desire for more education, which wasn't offered at most companies.

About 80 percent of interviewees said they had changed jobs before for the prospects of better career development, followed by salary, welfare and company culture.

They survey also found that few companies provide a children's education fund, a housing fund or career mentoring. However, most companies offer a lunch allowance, insurance, entertainment facilities and training.

(Shanghai Daily July 16, 2008)