Abraham Maslow devised a Hierarchy of Needs through which he tried to communicate the human's basic concerns and desires. He focused on some of the most intellectual people of his day to base his research. All of the lower levels must be reached before a human can experience the higher levels. The Maslow Hierarchy of Needs incorporates five different levels: Physiological, Safety, Love and Belonging, Esteem, and Self Actualization.

A human being's basic concern is his physiological needs. For survival people should eat, breathe, quench their thirst, procreate and use the bathroom. Without all these they cannot live. The employee's basic needs and comforts should be looked after by the leader to make them use their complete potential. If the work place is extremely cold an employee cannot work fast and efficiently like working in more comfortable work place.

Safety is the second step because people need to feel safe. Part of this need is having a secure job and financial stability. It is important for an employer to establish this feeling of safety. Employees are likely not to work as hard if they believe their job is in jeopardy. The employee may do something to negatively affect the company if their security is an issue.

The third level involves a person's desire to feel like they belong and are loved. Employers who can help employees establish friendships with one another help create an environment in which the employees feel like they are accepted, and that they will enjoy working in. Scheduling events and pairing compatible people on common tasks create excellent bonding opportunities.

People have the need to feel as though they are part of a group. This is the fourth level of a person's esteem. In group situations, we have the ability to feel emotions of achievement and confidence. We start to gain the respect of others which in return boosts our self-esteem. An employer can create activities outside of work to help engage his employees. Whether it is a team sport or relay picnic event, co-workers can bond over the activities, have a great time, and boost their confidence in themselves.

The last level, as outlined by Maslow, is self actualization. This includes our ability to problem solve, our creativity and our feelings of morality. Only when all previous levels under discussion have been reached can these feelings be attained, resulting in maturity and self actualization.

Daiv Russell is a marketing and management consultant with Envision Web Marketing. Read more Management Articles, learn about Abraham Harold Maslow and Maslow's theory.

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