Poll: Money can buy happiness after all

Chinese professionals regard their pay level as the most important factor when it comes to measuring happiness at work, followed by the working environment and atmosphere and their relationship with colleagues, according to a new survey.

The study, by the China Economy Research Institute and industry-specific recruitment website 800HR.com, also showed that at the other end of the importance scale, they regard promotion, welfare provision, and their relationship with subordinates as the least important factors.

Nearly half of the 10,000 surveyed nationwide said that they were dissatisfied with life, and 27 percent were dissatisfied with what they get paid. Career development (or a lack of it) and high property prices were considered as having the biggest impact on their lives.