In order to attract top talent, work atmosphere is key.A recent survey of 7,000 Canadians conducted by ICMA International and sponsored by HR services provider Randstad Canada, shows Canadians place having a good environment as the most important factor when searching for a new employer.The survey was conducted as part of the Randstad Award programme, aimed at identifying the most attractive employers from the 150 largest companies in the country, and the results indicate the most important factor Canadian jobseekers are looking for in a potential employer is a pleasant working atmosphere (60 percent). High salary (56 percent), job security (53 percent) and good work-life balance (48 percent) also top the list as the most important factors for workers when seeking an employer.Jan Hein Bax, President of Randstad Canada says the results indicate that Canadian workers and job seekers want to be a part of an organisation that can benefit them on both a personal and professional level.“While salary is obviously important, most Canadians do not want to achieve financial success at the expense of their personal benefit,” he said.“It is important for Canadian organisations to put an added emphasis on ensuring that their employees have a pleasant work environment, and can achieve work-life balance, through benefits and programmes like compensation for personal memberships, flexible hours, team-building activities and employee recognition programmes, for example.”In today’s tight employment market, organisations face stiff competition in attracting qualified, talented employees. According to Mr Bax, if companies want to be a magnet for smart talent they must use their culture to attract creative people and inspire growth.“Managers who take the time to learn what’s important to their team members are in the ideal position to help bring employee and organisational goals together. Better alignment will result in greater contribution and career satisfaction, leading to improved employee engagement - all of which ultimately impacts the bottom line,” he said.“Companies need talented, creative people to compete. And more than ever, companies need the right culture, mission, and meaningful work to attract and retain quality employees.“These things are critical to not only growing organisations around great talent, but also in establishing a workplace that can attract the best talent to work and live.”