Talent drawn to local firms

Respondents in the survey said they valued companies with clear visions for the future, which helps clarify workers' career paths.

During times of fast economic growth, companies developed "fast-track promotion" programs, but "people now realize that a title change does not necessarily mean a broader role or greater job security".

Chinese professionals are now looking for companies with effective business strategies in China that allow for long-term growth.

As businesses in China mature, MRIC noted that leadership needs have also evolved.

"When we look at the most important aspects of culture to employees (and see) the belief in fairness and promotion on merit, we begin to build a picture of the expectations that are placed on leaders in China today," MRIC said.

Asked how their company culture rates in terms of fairness and promotion on merit, 18.9 percent of workers at Chinese companies rated their companies as "poor," compared with 15.4 percent of foreign firms.

In the area of work-life balance, professionals are facing more travel and time spent working away from home, as Chinese businesses expand.

Female respondents (42 percent) said that flexibility in work is the most important aspect of work-life balance, compared with 36.3 percent of male respondents.

Among women, 25.8 percent said it is important to have regular working hours with little or no overtime, compared with 17.4 percent of male workers.