Why leaders need to understand the 7 Human Needs of peak performing employees 

Written by Jade Green.

When productivity spiked during 2020 many thought that this trend would continue once life returned to a sense of normalcy. However, since returning to the office many businesses are seeing lower levels of productivity and profitability from their employees. So how do we combat this problem?  

The first solution we tend to leap towards is higher pay brackets. But after a certain level of income, this simply doesn’t work anymore. We have to look deeper.  

Once we look past the paycheck we see engagement in work. Highly engaged employees record 23% higher profitability than those with low levels of engagement. Highly engaged employees are 87% less likely to leave their organisation and we are all aware that staff turnover not only kills profits, it erodes team cohesion and therefore results. 

In today's competitive job market, it's more important than ever for leaders to focus on employee engagement and retention. CEO’s it’s time to prioritise job satisfaction in the workplace, but the question is, how? By focusing on the 7 human needs of peak performance, we can help create an engaged workforce where employees feel supported and have higher levels of job satisfaction. Let's break down these 7 human needs: 

1. Wellbeing 

Physical and mental wellbeing is critical for any peak performing human. If you want high energy, fully focused staff they need access to healthy food, proper healthcare, regular exercise, mental health support and good sleep in order for them to use their full potential at work. As a CEO, we need to help them prioritise their health and wellbeing. 

2. Connection 

Connection is key to engagement. Studies show that employees that have a ‘best friend’ at work are 7 times more engaged and see 81% less absenteeism than those who do not feel they have friend like relationships in the workplace. 

3. Clarity and Certainty 

Employees need clarity and certainty to truly understand what is expected of them, what counts as acceptable risk, and how they can best succeed in their role. Another added bonus is that clarity allows for employees to become more engaged in their work.  

4. Significance 

Significance is crucial as your employees need to feel that their work matters and they as individuals matter. Peak Performers want to feel like they're making a difference. Remember what gets recognised gets repeated so create a culture of catching people doing the ‘right’ things. 

5. Challenge 

There is no growth without an element of challenge. Your employees need to be challenged in a way that balances their skills and abilities. It only takes a 4% challenge to skill ratio to achieve flow state and science shows the state of flow results in a 500% increase in productivity! 

6. Future Vision 

When we run out of hope we run out of drive. As Simon Sinek says “Start with Why”, develop a bold future vision for the company backed with an inspiring Purpose and Mission. Enroll employees in the bigger picture then show them how their work contributes to the goal, this will in turn motivate them to give their best to help achieve it.  

7. Happiness 

One of the most crucial human needs for peak performance employees is happiness. Happy employees are productive employees, which ultimately leads to increased profitability. According to a study by the University of Warwick, happy employees are 12% more productive than their unhappy counterparts. They found that when employees are happy, they're more creative, more motivated, and more willing to take on new challenges. And that's not all. The same study found that happy employees take fewer sick days and are less likely to quit their jobs. Happiness is the greatest hack to productivity and profitability and the way to truly unlock the full potential in each and every employee. 

Not sure where to start? This one tip can make all the difference. Start having one-on-one meetings focused on connection. Sit with staff and discuss their life, understand what is chewing up cognitive resources outside of work, the stressors preventing them from feeling safe and able to truly be present when they show up for work. Use these sessions to coach them through achieving both their career and personal goals to unlock their full potential and reap the rewards. 

By helping employees to fulfil their needs we can create a work environment where they feel valued, engaged, and motivated to do their best work, creating more productive and profitable teams.  

Jade Green is an internationally recognised speaker, people & culture specialist, and entrepreneur with a mission to help people and planet conscious businesses unlock the potential in their teams. With accreditations from Mindvalley and The Flow Research Collective, Jade is an experienced facilitator who guides businesses through leadership coaching, strategic HR decisions, creating a high flow culture, and developing teams founded in genuine care and connection. Visit www.jadegreen.com.au