Fastcompany iconFastcompanyAug 21, 2026 ~1 min source read

Here’s what employees are looking for in their CEOs—and what they avoid

In a new analysis by job and recruiting platform Glassdoor, employees say career development and mentorship are among the most desired traits in their company's leadership. "Mentorship", "culture", and "work-life balance" are other key terms used in the reviews of the CEOs who were ranked at the top of the platform's award.

Here’s what employees are looking for in their CEOs—and what they avoid

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In a new analysis by job and recruiting platform Glassdoor, employees say career development and mentorship are among the most desired traits in their company's leadership.

Some of them include "mobility" (mentioned over 253% more than in the reviews of non-winning CEOs), "growth opportunities" (+159%), and "career growth" (+111%).

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The useful part

In a new analysis by job and recruiting platform Glassdoor, employees say career development and mentorship are among the most desired traits in their company's leadership. It then measured the increase in the share of reviews that mention certain keywords. Some of them include "mobility" (mentioned over 253% more than in the reviews of non-winning CEOs), "growth opportunities" (+159%), and "career growth" (+111%).

How it works

  • "Mentorship", "culture", and "work-life balance" are other key terms used in the reviews of the CEOs who were ranked at the top of the platform's award.
  • What workers dislike Employees under the leadership of CEOs who didn't secure a spot on the Best CEOs 2026 award list report...
  • Other keywords include "coaching", "training", and "inclusive" as strengths setting apart the best corporate leaders.

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