(StatePoint) New research shows that happiness abounds for those working at small businesses. Indeed, 75 percent of small-business employees are either very or extremely satisfied working for a small business, according to the study conducted by Aflac.

Perhaps surprising to some, happiness is not necessarily based on salary, but on finding true value and meaning in day-to-day work. Other perks that keep employees happy at their small business jobs include respect and gratitude from employers and seeing the fruits of their labor firsthand.

But a great work environment only goes so far. Seventy-two percent of survey respondents said that an improvement in benefits offerings would make them a happier employee, suggesting that there are real, concrete ways that small businesses can improve employee satisfaction. To learn more, visit aflac.com/happy.

Happy employees do better work, and companies seeking to boost morale should understand that job satisfaction is multi-faceted.