Similar to individuals, employees do have basic needs which, when fulfilled, provide motivation. Business leaders recognize the significant role fulfillment plays in ensuring business success, and in recent times there has been a focus on making office environments supportive, engaging and collaborative by creating a Workplace Connection Culture.
Man’s basic needs, according to Maslow security, shelter and water, but in the work environment, these could assume amenities such as the gym, coffee spots and free or subsidized lunches. Organizations must find practical ways to alleviate the demands on their staff’s time at both home and work.
With more than half of workers maintaining that work and life conflict, organizations that offer flexible schedules and mobile technology can make a large difference. Parents are glad to exchange a few hours during the workday to be present at their child’s football game and give back the time to the office in the evening hours. Recognizing the 9-5 workday is not realistic for everyone, organizations are fulfilling the “basic needs” of their staff base.
All work and no play
Helping employees attain the appropriate work/life balance translates to discovering ways to make the workplace go beyond “just work,” to a fulfilling and engaging team in which they want to be part of. Employees are beings with social needs. As Maslow says, they desire — and prosper — when they form intimate relationships and belong.
Friendly relationships are essential to employees feeling more fulfilled with their work. Open floor office plans, happy hours, team lunches, and teambuilding activities all enhance teamwork and personal productivity and make the work a more cheerful place to be.
In the same vein, organizations with a focus on inclusion and diversity, which promote a culture where workers sincerely maintain respect, find that sense of belonging flourish even more.
Rounds of Applause
Personnel needs to hear about their achievements and opportunities to progress in real time. Once organizations institute an inclusive and comfortable workplace for employees, they can go even further by finding ways to promote sentiments of achievement and value. A little inspiration goes a long way, and workers appreciate an ongoing dialogue more than a one-off, moment-in-time feedback.
Accountability
People want to be responsible for and feel like they are adding to the bottom line. When other primary needs are provided for, the company can take on the task to assist employees attain self-actualization, so they feel enabled and at liberty to make independent decisions and offer value.
Trust
Similarly, as employees need a solid dynamic group, they likewise need to feel trusted to make choices at work. It allows them to feel esteemed and motivates them to do their absolute best at work.
