HUMAN NEEDS IN THE WORKPLACE

Imagine your body as your vehicle: choose the model of your dreams! Like any machine, it needs to have enough fuel in its tank to function properly. For humans, their energy corresponds to all of their fundamental and universal needs (respect, listening, support, clear instructions, acceptance, encouragement, recognition, rest), just like gasoline or electricity for a car. You see where I'm going with this. Without energy, the car doesn't work.

Now bring the concept back to you. If your needs are not met on a regular basis and you continue to run your "vehicle" at full speed, you will have difficulty moving forward. When this situation occurs, you are aware of it. You know that you lack the resources to accomplish what you have to accomplish and face what awaits you. This is when stress sets in, and sooner or later, physical or psychological symptoms will appear.

Despite detecting early warning signs of a mental health problem, many people do not act. On the contrary, they continue to push their limits beyond their physical, cognitive and psychological capacities, hoping that the problem will resolve itself. This is a mistake, because it only worsens their condition which has repercussions on their other spheres of life, whether family, marital, social or financial.

EMPLOYER'S RESPONSIBILITY

If your employer is not providing you with the resources you need to function well, then it is failing to meet the five basic needs that you and all of your co-workers share.

Therefore, a “lack” will cause tension in you.

This stress, which comes directly from your workplace, will make you feel negative feelings: injustice, dissatisfaction, insecurity, disappointment, anxiety, anger. If the situation continues, the accumulation of these negative emotions will turn into psychological distress likely to lead to burnout.

In other words, an employer who does not ensure that the essential needs of his greatest allies (his employees) are adequately met directly affects their psychological health and, by extension, organizational health.

It becomes the cause of presenteeism, disengagement, demotivation, loss of meaning, cases of disability and thus possible financial losses for the company...

Balancing your needs in the workplace

I have adapted Maslow's Pyramid for the business world so that you can better understand human needs at work. I fundamentally believe that a harmony between these will allow you to achieve healthy professional and personal lives.

I propose to you, employees and managers, a friendly and enlightening exercise. I ask you a question for each level of needs. Note that the first level corresponds to the bottom of the pyramid. These questions will help you estimate your level of satisfaction and identify the needs that deserve your attention.

Before you get started, I should mention that it is impossible for all of your needs to be fully met. The important thing is to target those that are crucial to you.

Are they fulfilled? Do they have a negative impact on you or your work? If so, I invite you to intervene quickly.

Employee

1. Am I able to meet my basic needs well with my salary?

2. Do I feel confident and supported in my work?

3. Do I feel free to interact authentically while taking my place within my team?

4. Do I feel considered, valued and encouraged by my manager?

5. Is my work aligned with my aspirations and deep values?

Leader

1. Are my employees satisfied with their salary?

2. Am I attentive and proactive about the needs and difficulties encountered by my employees?

3. Am I providing enough stimulating meetings and enriching activities?

4. Do I value the individual and efforts as much as skills and achievements?

5. Do all my employees have access to quality learning and development opportunities?

The importance of psychological and physical needs on your well-being is no longer in doubt. Just like the negative consequences on your individual or organizational health of not seeking to meet them well. Now, knowing that you have responsibilities in this regard and that it is urgent to act in the presence of imbalance, what commitment will you make to achieve the hoped-for professional fulfillment?

For my part, through my columns, I am committed to sharing my expertise with you to help you maintain positive mental health at work.