What Employees Liked Best About Their Jobs: Top Insights from 2025-2026 Surveys, Reviews & Stories

In today's competitive talent market, understanding what employees like best about their jobs is crucial for HR managers, recruiters, and business leaders. Drawing from 2025-2026 surveys, Glassdoor reviews, Reddit threads, exit interviews, and employee testimonials, this article uncovers the top drivers of job satisfaction. You'll find real quotes like "best part of my job was," stats on job enjoyment factors, and practical steps to replicate these wins in your workplace--enhancing engagement, retention, and culture.

Quick Answer: Top 5 Things Employees Liked Best

Based on recent data, here are the standout aspects employees consistently highlight:

• Flexible work options: Cited in 2026 BuildEmpire reports as a non-negotiable expectation beyond pandemic norms.
• Strong company culture with respect and belonging: 70% of extremely satisfied workers feel treated respectfully (Keystone Partners).
• Meaningful perks like wellness, PTO, and professional development: 36% of EX pros see wellness as a turnover protector (Zendesk).
• Supportive teams and managers: The top retention factor, flipping the stat that 57% quit due to bad bosses (Gallup via Keystone).
• Purpose-driven tasks and growth opportunities: Key in engagement surveys for long-term fulfillment.

Key Takeaways: What 2025-2026 Data Reveals Employees Loved

Recent data paints a clear picture of job satisfaction highlights. A Keystone Partners study shows 70% of extremely satisfied employees say they're treated with respect and can be themselves at work. Zendesk's 2026 Employee Experience Trends Report notes 36% of professionals view wellness investments as key to preventing turnover. BuildEmpire's 2026 analysis calls flexibility a "must-have," matured beyond hybrid basics.

Real quotes echo this: "The best part of my job was the flexibility--it let me thrive without burnout" (Reddit thread). Glassdoor 2026 reviews praise "supportive managers who listen," while StandOut CV data reveals job satisfaction rises with age, peaking later in careers. In India, employees rank happiest globally (Randstad 2020, trends holding), often citing purpose and belonging.

These insights deliver quick value: Prioritize respect (70% satisfaction link), wellness (36% retention boost), and flexibility to mirror what workers love.

Top Positive Job Aspects from Surveys & Reviews

Employee feedback from best things employees loved about their jobs 2025 survey and Glassdoor 2026 reviews spotlights recurring themes. Comparably's survey of 10M+ ratings crowns companies like those fostering growth as happiest. StandOut CV notes India leads global happiness (Randstad), with UK at #12--flexibility and culture driving scores.

Job enjoyment factors include meaningful work: MostLovedWorkplace surveys show high satisfaction when tasks feel fulfilling. Age trends? 18-25s report lowest satisfaction, improving over time. Mini case: Comparably's top firms like those with strong mentorship (55% lack one, per Keystone) see 20% higher retention.

Favorite Perks Employees Rave About

Memorable perks employees rave about dominate testimonials. PeopleInsight's 2025 data lists 60+ ideas, with only 51% linking rewards to performance--room for improvement. Zendesk highlights unlimited PTO (75% more job listings post-2020) and wellness perks.

Top examples:

• Wellness support: Gym subsidies, mental health days (36% turnover protection).
• Professional growth: Certification reimbursements, workshops.
• Volunteering: 70% wish for more (Independent Sector).
• Financial aid: Loan payment coverage.

Mini cases: L’Occitane and Coca-Cola thrive via communication-driven perks (Sociabble). Zendesk notes declining health since 2022--perks counter this, boosting morale.

Company Culture Wins: What Employees Appreciate Most

Culture tops what employees appreciate most in company culture. Keystone's 70% respect stat holds, with BOSStaff's 2026 must-haves emphasizing belonging: "managers who listen, teams celebrating differences." Sociabble stresses communication as foundational--examples include L’Occitane's seamless 700-employee unity and Coca-Cola's engagement.

UK lags globally (StandOut CV #12), but winners like Babilou connect field teams. Mini cases: 5 cultures (Renault, Primark) prioritize authenticity, yielding high retention.

Real Employee Stories: "What Did You Like Best About This Job?" Quotes & Testimonials

Human voices bring data alive. From Reddit "loved this job because" threads: "Best part of my job was the team--daily laughs made tough days bearable." AskAManager 2025: "Supportive colleagues let me be authentic without full exposure."

Abhijit Bhaduri urges sharing stories: "Workplaces without them are story deserts." Favorites: "Purpose-driven tasks" (Workhuman) and "flexible hours for family" (Reddit). Workers miss "camaraderie and growth opps" most. Mini case: Employee raves about "coffee machine chats" turning routine into joy.

Insights from Exit Interviews: Top Positive Aspects & What Workers Miss

Exit interviews reveal top positive job aspects from exit interviews. WorkInstitute templates uncover gems amid departures: 49% dissatisfaction (Pew), but positives like "great culture" drive fond memories. Employees miss "supportive managers" (57% quit bad ones) and flexibility.

Reasons workers miss their previous jobs: Teams, respect, perks. Mini case: Third-party interviews (WorkInstitute) yield honest feedback, improving retention--e.g., highlighting missed wellness programs.

Flexibility vs. Perks vs. Culture: What Drives Job Satisfaction in 2026?

In 2026, compare these pillars:

StandOut CV shows age/country variances (low 18-25s, India high), but 2026 demands all three.

High Retention Secrets: Job Features Employees Loved Most

High retention reasons best job features link to positives: Engaged workers stay (PeopleThriver). Flip 57% boss quits with supportive leadership. Gallup notes replacement costs 2x salary. Top-liked job responsibilities from surveys: Purposeful tasks (Workhuman).

Contradiction: Low youth satisfaction (StandOut) vs. Zendesk strategies like recognition.

How to Uncover What Your Employees Like Best: Survey Checklist & Steps

Actionable guide via Zendesk's 10 steps:

1. Define goals.
2. Choose anonymous tools.
3. Craft questions (50+ from Workhuman).
4. Time it right.
5. Ensure follow-up.
6. Analyze.
7. Act.
8. Communicate changes.
9. Repeat.
10. Track metrics.

Top 10 questions (MostLovedWorkplace): "Do you find meaning in your work?" Exit template: WorkInstitute's unbiased process.

7 Steps to Boost Job Satisfaction Using Employee Feedback

1. Assess cultural fit (Keystone).
2. Invest in wellness/perks (36% impact).
3. Foster story-sharing (Abhijit).
4. Offer flexibility.
5. Build mentorship (55% gap).
6. Track via regression (Workhuman).
7. Celebrate wins publicly.

Tie to employee testimonials favorite parts of workplace 2026 for lasting impact.

FAQ

What are the best things employees loved about their jobs in 2025 surveys? Flexibility, culture (70% respect), wellness perks (36%).

What do Glassdoor reviews 2026 say about job enjoyment factors? Supportive teams, growth, meaningful tasks.

Why do workers miss their previous jobs most? Camaraderie, flexibility, purpose.

What company culture aspects do employees appreciate most? Respect, belonging, communication.

How can exit interviews reveal top positive job aspects? Unbiased questions highlight valued elements like teams.

What perks do employees rave about in 2026? Unlimited PTO, certifications, volunteering.