A newly released report shows that the most satisfied employees work for smaller companies, rather than large ones. The study, conducted by Harris Interactive and published in The Boston Globe, shows that overall, 49 percent of employees in small businesses were content with their jobs, 44 percent were energized by their jobs, and 53 percent were passionate about the work they do.

Here's an interesting statistic that jumped out at us: Of the workers at small firms, 64 percent said they really cared about their employers, compared to 47 percent at bigger companies.

In fact, 61 percent of employees at small companies said they routinely give their best effort because they want their employer to succeed. Only 43 percent of the workers at big companies agreed with that statement.

The survey of 7,718 adults shows that, overall, workers aren't enthused about their jobs, and a majority don't trust their bosses. Some of the respondents, the study said, believe they've been treated unfairly, and they perceive their jobs as dead ends.

So why do people like working for smaller companies? Is there a disconnect between managers and workers at larger companies?

Part of the problem could be the huge sums of money paid in severance packages to top executives after mergers and buyouts. In Boston recently, a merger resulted in payoffs of more than $100 million in bonuses to chief executives, while 6,000 workers were to be fired after the deal is completed. You have to wonder how much money is enough.

Payouts like that certainly don't inspire loyalty among the workers who helped build that business. Compare that to a small distributor who, a few years ago, sold his company and shared some of the profits with his employees.

Managers at small firms talk and know more about their employees. They build teams and loyalty.

Ironically, the study shows that workers aren't necessarily driven by bigger paychecks. They're driven by flex-time, promotional opportunities, health care, job security and managers who treat them as people, rather than just a resource. And those companies with the highest job satisfaction are generally those with stronger bottom lines.

jkeough@reedbusiness.com