| Abraham Maslow, an eminent psychologist, studied | | | | that there are plans and policies in effect to deal with |
| human behavior for many years and developed a | | | | the broad range of disasters that might occur such |
| well-known equilateral triangle depicting a series of | | | | as fire, flood, hurricane, tornado or even a mishap |
| needs that are necessary for successful human | | | | that might occur at work. Employees should be well |
| interaction in one's home, work and society. | | | | briefed on what to do in the event of an emergency |
| These needs begin at the base of the triangle with | | | | and management should demonstrate their concern. |
| the most basic of human physiological requirements | | | | Are fire extinguishers, first-aid kits and emergency |
| for survival such as food, water and sleep and then | | | | telephone numbers available? Other concerns might |
| move upward to the apex of the triangle which | | | | be to insure that adequate lighting is available in |
| represents the achievement of satisfaction in life | | | | parking areas so that employees who arrive early or |
| which he refers to as self-actualization. | | | | leave late feel safe. |
| Between the physiological need and the desire for | | | | Belonging needs provide a sense of family and allow |
| self-actualization are three other needs identified as | | | | employees to feel like they are part of a team. Hats, |
| safety, belonging and esteem. | | | | shirts or other personal accouterments are often |
| Small businesses, large corporations and every | | | | used to promote a sense of group as well personal |
| manager should be cognizant of Maslow's theory and | | | | identity. Simple things like remembering an employee's |
| make decisions that fulfill some aspect of these | | | | birthday or anniversary with a greeting or even a |
| needs if they want to develop loyal, competent and | | | | card instill a sense of well being and create an |
| satisfied employees. | | | | environment where individual productivity is increased |
| There are a myriad of practical applications for | | | | because they feel appreciated. |
| Maslow's hierarchy of needs that can be incorporated | | | | Esteem needs provide a sense of achievement and |
| into business practices. Assuming that the basic | | | | satisfaction to an employee. An "employee of the |
| survival needs are fulfilled in the work place, here are | | | | month", a small certificate of appreciation, a public |
| are a few suggestions. Many of these suggestions | | | | thank-you for a job well done all promote a positive |
| are already incorporated into the life of businesses | | | | work environment. |
| and the result is increased employee satisfaction and | | | | This is just a sampling of the many ways that |
| productivity. Interestingly, the application of these | | | | business managers can use the psychology of human |
| principles can apply to a multi-national conglomerate | | | | behavior to provide a sense of well-being for those in |
| or a mom and pop business operation that employs | | | | the work environment. Every manager or leader |
| just a few. | | | | should be familiar with Maslow's hierarchy of needs |
| Safety needs encompass the broad desire to feel | | | | and incorporate those elements into the workplace. |
| secure in one's environment. Businesses should insure | | | | |