The Hierarchy of Needs was developed by Abraham Maslow as part of his attempts to understand and show the basic needs and wants of the average human. His work was based on research conducted by the brightest minds of his time. Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs focuses on the various levels of human thought: Physiological needs, Survival Needs, Social Belonging and Love, Self-Esteem, and finally Self Actualization. A human is only able to reach self actualization after working their way up through the lower levels though.
The instinct to survive or human survival instinct as they say is the lowest level. Because this is a physiological need. It is basic for every human being to look for food to satisfy his hunger, drink to quench his thirst, breathe, use the bathroom and procreate. Failing to do these things will not lead to life and survival. An employer must see to it that his employees' working condition is comfortable, safe and conducive to his working condition otherwise the quality and quantity of his output will be compromised.
The second level is safety. People must feel secure. This means that they must have job and financial security. An employer must establish this security in his employees. If an employee believes that he is potentially going to be laid off or fired, then he may not work as hard as he could. He may decide to give up or even do something to negatively impact the company as revenge.
Feeling like a person belongs and is loved and desired is the third level. Employers can assist employees in making friends with each other. This will help to create a pleasant environment to work in. The employer can encourage these relationships by organizing small group tasks and organizing events.
People have the need to feel as though they are part of a group. This is the fourth level of a person's esteem. In group situations, we have the ability to feel emotions of achievement and confidence. We start to gain the respect of others which in return boosts our self-esteem. An employer can create activities outside of work to help engage his employees. Whether it is a team sport or relay picnic event, co-workers can bond over the activities, have a great time, and boost their confidence in themselves.
Finally, the last level, according to Maslow, is self actualization. This is our ability to be creative and problem solve. It also deals with our feelings of morality. We can achieve these feelings once we have reached all of the other previous levels that were already discussed. Only then, can we reach self actualization and become completely mature.
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