ESL LESSON: Maslow's Pyramid of Needs in the Workplace (Work In Progress)

 

ESL LESSON: Maslow's Pyramid of Needs in the Workplace

Level: B2 (Upper-Intermediate)
Topic: Motivation and Work
Time: 60–90 minutes

1. Warm-Up Questions

  • What motivates people to work?

  • Do you think money is the most important reason to work?

  • What makes a workplace a good place to work?

2. Vocabulary Preview

WordDefinition
MotivationThe reason why someone does something
HierarchyA system where people or things are ranked
Basic needsThings necessary for survival like food and safety
BelongingFeeling part of a group or community
RecognitionBeing noticed or appreciated for your work
FulfillmentFeeling satisfied because you are doing something meaningful
AdvancementProgress in your job or career
WorkplaceThe place where people work
Self-actualizationReaching your full potential
Job satisfactionHow happy you are with your job

3. Reading: Maslow’s Pyramid of Needs in the Workplace

Article (Simplified for B2 learners):

Psychologist Abraham Maslow created a theory called the Hierarchy of Needs. He believed that people are motivated by five levels of needs. These needs are often shown as a pyramid. The lowest level is basic needs like food and safety. At the top is self-actualization, which means becoming the best version of yourself.

In the workplace, this theory can help managers understand what their employees need to stay happy and productive.

  1. Physiological needs – People need a fair salary to buy food, water, and housing. Without these, they cannot focus on their work.

  2. Safety needs – A safe working environment is important. Employees want job security, health benefits, and to feel safe at work.

  3. Love and belonging – Good relationships with coworkers and teamwork make employees feel included.

  4. Esteem needs – Workers want to feel respected and appreciated. Recognition, awards, or promotions help meet this need.

  5. Self-actualization – Finally, people want to grow. Opportunities to be creative, take responsibility, and learn new skills help employees reach their potential.

If companies understand these needs, they can create a better work environment. This leads to more motivation, less stress, and better results.

4. Comprehension Questions

  1. What is Maslow’s theory called?

  2. What are physiological needs in the workplace?

  3. How can a company help employees feel they belong?

  4. Why is recognition important at work?

  5. What are some ways employees can reach self-actualization?

5. Synonym Match

Match the words from the article with their synonyms:

WordSynonym
MotivationA. Progress
FulfillmentB. Encouragement
AdvancementC. Happiness
RecognitionD. Achievement
WorkplaceE. Job site

Answers:
1 → B, 2 → D, 3 → A, 4 → C, 5 → E

6. Role Play: Manager & Employee

Situation: One person is a manager. The other is an employee. The employee is feeling unmotivated at work. Use Maslow’s needs to guide the conversation.

Manager Goals:

  • Ask questions to understand what the employee needs.

  • Try to suggest improvements (salary, training, safety, teamwork, etc.).

Employee Goals:

  • Express how you feel at work.

  • Suggest what could help you feel more motivated.

Switch roles after 10 minutes.

7. Communication Activity: Ranking Needs

Instructions:

  • In pairs or small groups, look at the five Maslow needs.

  • Rank them from most to least important in your current or ideal job.

  • Explain your reasons.

Needs to Rank:

  1. Good salary (Physiological)

  2. Health insurance and job security (Safety)

  3. Friendly team and social events (Belonging)

  4. Praise and awards (Esteem)

  5. Training, responsibility, growth (Self-actualization)

8. Discussion Questions

  • Which level of Maslow’s pyramid do you think most people are stuck at?

  • Can a person ever reach self-actualization at work? Why or why not?

  • What can companies do better to help employees move up the pyramid?

  • Do you think remote workers have different needs than office workers?

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