A little bit of respect goes a very long way in China - as the world is fast finding out. And that fact has been franked by a recent survey by Regus - " the world's largest provider of workplace solutions" - which looked into what exactly makes the workers of the world happy as they turn up for their labors each day.

In Hong Kong, "respect" was rated as the key to happiness in the workplace by 75 percent of survey respondents, while in mainland China the result was 68.6 percent, compared to the global average of 61 percent.

It seems the little things are what matters, too, with saying "hello" and "goodbye" to colleagues rating among the acts that help workers show respect to one another, as well as remembering birthdays.

But habits differ across China's main business centers, according to the survey. Whereas in Beijing and Shanghai celebrating the success of your colleague was considering an important key to sharing the love by 56 percent and 45 percent of people polled, it rated a factor for doing just that by just 36 percent of people from Hong Kong.

But Hong Kongers are apparently more likely to share the workload than their Northern brothers and sisters, with 36 percent of respondents from that city saying this habit was an important part of happiness in the workplace, compared to 26 percent of workers from mainland China.

Regus polled 17,000 people across the globe for their survey, including around 300 from mainland China and 200 from Hong Kong.

What helps makes them happy:

Vocally acknowledging the work of others: Hong Kong 34 percent; mainland China 27.9 percent; global average 49 percent.

Actively celebrating colleagues' success: Hong Kong 36 percent; mainland China 48.5 percent; global average 33 percent.

Always being on time for meetings: Hong Kong 18 percent; mainland China 10.3 percent; global average 19 percent.

Being respectful, even to junior members of staff: Hong Kong 75 percent; mainland China 68.6 percent; global average 61 percent.

Encouraging knowledge and skill sharing among staff: Hong Kong 55 percent; mainland China 46.6 percent; global average 49 percent.

MS