Employers have pondered these questions for years:

Would folks prefer a higher salary or comprehensive health benefits from the company? And what do employees really want from managers in the organization?

A recent survey shed light on both questions: In one, three quarters of employees would rather have good health coverage than a higher salary. Asked how much more cash it would take to give up medical benefits, the median response was an extra $11,000 in yearly salary.

In terms of company culture, 92% say honesty from management is a major expectation, along with fair opportunities for advancement (89%) and trust from supervisors (87%). Less crucial, but still valued company-culture traits: emotional supportiveness (25%), flexible schedules (20%) and family-friendly programs (15%).

Relatively unimportant: widespread friendship and socialization with colleagues (3%) and explanations from upper management of the company’s long-term goals (2%).

Tags: morale, Pay and benefits