Most Important Factors

FEATUREBest Places to Work 2006: Industry Most Important Factors Rank in Large in 2006 Rank in Large in 2005 Factor Category Rank in Small in 2006 Rank in Small in 2005 1 1 My work gives me personal satisfaction. Job Satisfaction 1 1 2 9 My company provides the equipment and services I ne

FEATURE

Best Places to Work 2006: Industry

Most Important Factors

Rank in Large in 2006	Rank in Large in 2005	Factor	Category	Rank in Small in 2006	Rank in Small in 2005
1	1	My work gives me personal satisfaction.	Job Satisfaction	1	1
2	9	My company provides the equipment and services I need to work effectively.	Research Environment	4	13
3	3	I feel that my contributions to the team are appreciated and that the team works well together.	Job Satisfaction	2	2
4	2	My company sets and adheres to high ethical standards.	Integrity	3	4
5	7	My company fully funds my research.	Research Environment	25	24
6	5	My company's research mission is logical and practical, and I understand my role in it.	Research Environment	11	6
7	19	When problems do arise, my manager consults me and give me an opportunity to explain my actions.	Management	16	8
8	6	My colleagues do their job with integrity and professionalism.	Job Satisfaction	15	5
9	-	My pay adequately covers my expenses and provides for reasonable leisure activities, considering the cost of living in my community.	Remuneration and Benefits	13	-
10	11	My company provides adequate retirement benefits.	Remuneration and Benefits	31	26
12	15	My manager includes me in decision making that directly influences my job.	Management	5	3
15	13	Good communication between research and other departments ensures that research ideas are implemented effectively.	Research Environment	6	21
22	17	The top management of my company sets clear goals.	Management	7	9
19	4	The company provides adequate health care benefits for me and my family at an affordable rate.	Remuneration and Benefits	8	14
16	16	My company fosters a spirit of teamwork.	Management	9	7
13	10	My company is concerned about maintaining good employee morale.	Management	10	10

Capable management and a productive research environment are essential components of a great workplace, according to this year's survey respondents-12 of the top 16 factors fall into those two categories-but personal job satisfaction is the single most important ingredient for industry scientists at both small and large companies. While teamwork and ethical standards held their places among the top factors, provision of equipment and supplies (#2 for large companies, #4 for small) increased in importance from 2005 to 2006. Research funding (#5) and retirement benefits (#10) are more important for scientists working at large companies, while employees at small companies value their management's ability to set clear goals. Overall, scientists at small companies weight factors in the Management category more heavily, while Research Environment and Job Satisfaction matter more to their counterparts in large organizations.