What does an American Psychologist from the early 1900s have to do with attracting talent in the modern job market? Abraham Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs is a psychological model designed to explain human motivation. Business Service Manager Tracy Kleban offered local employers an inside look into how Maslow’s theory could help them attract and retain high quality candidates.
The theory lists five levels of human needs that drive decision making. In her most recent workshop, Tracy discussed how employers must meet their employees’ basic needs in order for them to show up every day. She introduced how Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs plays a role in employee engagement. At the most basic level, job seekers need their physiological and safety needs met to include food, shelter, air, water, and clothing. Only after those needs are met can they begin to focus their energy on more complex needs such as socializing, esteem, and self-actualization. Employees who have reached other tiers within the pyramid will engage with their team, growing within their positions, and finding satisfaction with their work.
Maslow’s theory is more important than ever when attracting talent to your job postings. Tracy suggests realigning your outdated job postings with Maslow’s theory. You can do this by reflecting on what your company is offering to employees.
Ask yourself: Are you paying them a livable wage? Is the position a long-term and stable opening? Will they have the opportunity to grow within the company? How you answer these questions should determine how you market your job listing. Employees know their worth. Your job listings should reflect what you have to offer. Include salary, mentorship opportunities, employee appreciation, or even current employee testimonials in your position descriptions to stay current.
If you are interested in learning more about connecting with job seekers, register for Tracy Kleban’s next webinar here. PA CareerLink® can also provide feedback on your current postings, information about the labor market, and training assistance for new hires. Sign up for our employer newsletter to get the latest workforce information. Select your local office to subscribe now: Hazleton and Wilkes-Barre.
