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SINGAPORE (Xinhua) -- A recent survey found that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) managed to retain and attract talent by providing job security and attractive compensation, local media reported on Tuesday.

The survey, conducted by the Singapore National Employers Federation and global brand strategy consulting firm StrategiCom, found that in 2008, during the recession, some key attributes which helped SMEs attract and retain talent included allowing employees freedom to work on their own initiative, recognising their work, and an attractive compensation and benefits package, local TV broadcaster Channel NewsAsia reported.

But this year, employees are looking for opportunities for long- term career progression and an attractive overall compensation and benefits package.

They also want companies to provide work life balance, an attribute which did not feature in the year 2008, when employees were probably more concerned about retaining their jobs in a recession period.

However, one factor which continues to receive high attention amongst workers whether there's a downturn or not is job security.

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