Work psychology some interesting theories that will change your outlook
Over the years, the idea of respecting the psychological well-being of the employee has become increasingly popular. This is where work psychology steps in to explain that the employee is a collaborator and that he or she brings great value in terms of ideas, thoughts and behaviour. Let us take a brief look at psychological theories applied to the world of work. Take note dear employers, your employee deserves respect and serenity.
Work psychology, timeline of the main theories
Work psychology originated around the beginning of the 20th century as industrial psychology. It is concerned with the life of the individual in the workplace within the corporate environment and the interactions this has with colleagues.
The main areas of occupational psychology are:
- Human resource development
- Improvement of organisational structure
- Employee motivation and well-being
- Safety at work
- Training courses
- and much more
Who is an occupational psychologist?
An occupational and organisational psychologist, as you will see from the different subject areas, plays different roles within the company. Firstly, he or she analyses groups and how they interact with each other. In fact, he deals with relations and dynamics between groups, possible psychological situations to manage (such as burn out or integration), personnel selection or even interventions where there are risks of bullying or mobbing. We can see him/her as a mediator who deals with maintaining balance and well-being within the company.
Several theories deal with basic needs and passions, which contribute to personal development. Here are some of them:
The Coué method (1926)
The psychotherapist Émile Coué wrote 'Self Domination with Conscious Autosuggestion'.
He recommends repeating 20 times in a row and three times a day: "Every day, in every respect, I am getting better and better. "
OK died the same year (at the age of 69) as the publication of the theory, but it is a highly regarded theory in the world.
Among his observations was the law of inverse effort: imagination always prevails over will. A way to overcome his prejudices.
His doctrine, which almost 100 years later still applies, is based on four fundamental principles:
- If imagination and will clash, it is the former that influences the latter. Always
- In the conflict between the 2, the power of the imagination is in direct relation to the will squared
- If the two are in agreement, they do not add up but multiply each other
- You can guide your imagination
Maslow's pyramid and humanistic psychology (1943)
According to Maslow's pyramid of needs (established by psychologist Abraham Maslow), one has five basic needs that are satisfied one after the other, from the most essential (the base) to the most 'superfluous' (the consecration) which is the need for self-fulfilment. By creating a hierarchy of needs, man shows how his needs change as the various needs are satisfied. Today, we live in an age where states fortunately manage to provide for an individual's basic needs, the struggle for survival is much more often replaced by a need for self-fulfilment of individuals.
©Inside marketing
Some have deflected it in a humorous way, with the demands of our hyper-connected age:
Maslow's pyramid shows that a comfort zone is not necessarily negative.
It is also a reference point, a necessary step for our growth, for achieving a goal. The comfort zone is your stepping stone to achievement.
But you still have to get out of it.
Positive thinking (1952)
Norman Vincent Peale wrote the book The Power of Positive Thinking, which describes how to transform negative emotions into positive attitudes. He also wrote When We Want, We Can! in 1979.
Many other books have been inspired by his work, such as Benjamin Smith's Mindset.
In fact, there is an entire school of thought dedicated to positive thinking whose founding theory is the malleability of thoughts: you yourself can influence them.
Our affirmations can influence our thoughts and this is crucial in terms of motivation. Try to instil in yours the ability to see things in a positive way.
Neuro-linguistic programming or NLP (1973)
Neuro-linguistic programming is a pragmatic approach in applied psychology developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder.
One of its principles is to transmit 'know-how' (skills) and 'know how' to those in need, for a better understanding of oneself.
Some NLP interventions are aimed at removing the brakes one puts on oneself, due to 'limiting beliefs' such as 'I'll never make it', 'it's not for me', etc.
The ikigai
Are you familiar with the Japanese ikigai test?
Ikigai is translated as 'reason to be' or 'reason to get up every morning'.
It is the combination of the words ikiri (to live) and gai (to fulfil one's wishes).
The concept is to find meaning in what you do, to find your way, to have a goal, in short, to not resign yourself to the comfort zone.
It is a great way to find your dream job, a personal challenge that requires you to reflect on your talents, achievements, tastes and values.
Some find their ikigai in family life, others in developing an art, or both.
Find your passions and do not be afraid to throw yourself into new experiences.
This means that you must also look for something in your work that gives you passion. For the employer, it is important to let people experiment, look for new ideas and put employees in the right role.
"if you do a job you love, you won't work a day".
#TrueStories
Mind you, these anecdotes are taken from real stories, any resemblance to real characters is by no means coincidental.
"I left my job for a new professional experience without knowing if it would work or if I would enjoy it, today I wonder why I didn't do it sooner."
"My best friend retired a month before our big trip through Russia. Instead of cancelling, I went alone and did what I wanted when I wanted, I also met many people who would never have spoken to me if it had been just the two of us."
"I panicked at the thought of being 20 metres underwater, but diving has always attracted me. I did an internship at a specialised centre: one dive a day, I had to like it! I have just returned with my Level I diploma and have already booked my next stay for Level II'.
A successful company starts with the well-being of its employees
All the theories we have shown you today are to make you realise that motivation and self-esteem must start with our beliefs. However, if we are managers, we have the opportunity to instil positivity in those around us and create a serene and stimulating environment.
Article translated from Italian