A report from human resources company Hudson Global, Inc. revealed that higher salary is the overall top concern of Chinese job hunters, cited by 66 percent of respondents in a survey, China Daily reported.
The Hiring Report 2015 surveyed 1,262 professionals from mainland China.
Work-life balance, which includes flexible arrangements, is the second most important concern for job seekers, in general. This is the first time in the poll's history that work-life balance was voted one of the top three elements in a job.
But job priorities differ by age groups, the poll showed.
Among professionals aged 36 to 50, work-life balance was the top priority, cited by 62 percent of respondents.
This age group is the peak period for family responsibilities, including child-rearing and caring for older family members, according to the report.
In contrast, work-life balance is not as important for workers aged 20 to 35, presumably because they are still starting their careers. Workers in this age bracket values higher salary and promotion more than other benefits.
For employees aged 51 and older, corporate values is the most important element in a job. Work-life balance only comes in second place, followed by better pay.
Like those aged 36 to 50, senior executives said work-life balance is the most essential element, particularly when they are seeking a new job.
Ying Demin, a 43-year-old general manager working at a Shanghai-based consulting company, said that he has been working hard to balance his work and personal life since turning 40 years old.
"My health has been affected. I need to slow down and do some regular exercise. But more importantly, I would like to spend more time with my family," Ying said.