Top 5 Things Employees Need to Thrive in the Workplace

Do some of your employees show up for work, do what they must do, but don’t go the extra mile to advance themselves or the company? Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs may answer why this occurs.

A Harvard Business Review article highlighted how Microsoft no longer focuses on employee engagement, they focus on employee fulfillment. Similar to Maslow’s hierarchy of needs, Microsoft Chief People Officer Kathleen Hogan focuses on the 5 Ps of employment (Pay, Perks, People, Pride and Purpose).

In the middle of the 20th century, Abraham Maslow developed the Hierarchy of Needs, a framework suggesting a linear progression of human needs. Each need must be filled before a person can move up to the next level. Many years ago, I converted the Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to reflect the needs of an employee called the Safari Hierarchy of Employment Needs. (Download chart)

Below correlates Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs to Safari’s Hierarchy of Employment Needs.

              MASLOW                                        SAFARI

       5.  Self-Actualization                         Professional Growth

       4.  Esteem                                           Accomplishments

       3.  Belonging                                      Team

       2.  Safety                                             Job Security

       1.  Biological Needs                         Compensation

In the work place, I often hear business owners and managers reflect that some of their employees show up for work, do what they have to do, but don’t go the extra mile to advance themselves or the company. Maslow’s theory may answer why this occurs.

If an employee is struggling in their career, they may be stuck in a lower need level that is not being fully met. Just think about it. If a person is worrying about paying their rent and at the same time concerned about their company’s financial stability, they probably are not working on developing new skills or striving for their next professional achievement. They are stuck in survival mode.

Understanding each employee and where they fall on the hierarchy chart may provide a glimpse of how that person may perform at your company. Employees or new hires who have fulfilled their needs in level 1, 2, and 3, may have a better chance of performing at a higher level for your company as they can move upwards to the Accomplishments and Growth levels.

If you are seeking candidates with growth potential, give us a call at 317-578-1310.