Maslow’s theory of Hierarchy of Needs can be applicable in organizations as well. It is essential for the authorities governing the organizational management to relate Maslow’s theory of needs to the requirements of their employees to ensure a satisfied, self motivated workforce. As humans, employees are motivated by certain needs and hence the management can make attempts to fulfill these needs by creating a motivating and fulfilling work environment that inspires the employees to do their best.
As per the Hierarchy of Needs,
The biological and safety needs are the essential needs that organizations must provide in order to fulfill the primary requirements of their employees. The higher levels of needs like social needs can act as motivators, self esteem needs can provide achievement and recognition, and the highest needs of self-actualization can focus on growth, creativity and innovation.
- The most basic needs are the biological needs. Organizations can fulfill by providing adequate salaries, bonuses or incentives, satisfactory working conditions in the workplace, seating arrangement, etc. Other important basic factors include ventilation, lighting, temperature regulation and such other acceptable workplace environment.
- The next level of safety and security needs can be met by offering job security, medical and life insurance, retirement plans to meet the financial security and health needs.
- The next level of social needs can be fulfilled by setting separate time for employees to social interact during breaks and lunch time. Other activities that promote social relations are organizing group events, team outings and periodic sessions for discussing personal and professional developments.
- The fourth level of needs for recognition can be dealt with by providing employees with challenges and complicated tasks that require additional efforts and skills. Getting positive feedback, encouragements and recognitions from the employer can act as a motivation and make the employees perform better every time. Regular trainings for professional development can help in creating a competent and satisfied work force. Organizations can also consider offering certain rewards for performance, assigning titles or recognizing symbols for status in the form of privileges meant only for those positioned at a higher level; for example, shares, allowances, etc.
- The highest level of need, of self actualization allows personal growth, creativity and eventually the growth of organization. This can be fulfilled by giving the employees a fair chance and an environment where they can fearlessly express their opinions and involve in open communications. By providing an open stress free environment, employees can bring out their creativity and organization can together head towards innovation.
