Humanistic Psychology Workplace

2870 Words12 Pages

Humanistic Psychology in the Workplace
Shari Burkhart
Northwest Christian University

Abstract
This paper explores humanistic psychology and how it pertains to the workplace. The origins of humanistic psychology are also analyzed, as well as how this type of psychology can be used to improve employee satisfaction and productivity in organizations. How this is applied to the workplace will be explained by examining motivation and Abraham Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory. Other theorists such as Carl Rogers, Rollo May and Victor Frankl are included. The way in which organizations apply the concepts of humanistic therapy into their culture are also introduced. Positive psychology is also proposed and this is believed by some …show more content…

May believed that psychotherapy should be aimed at helping people discover meaning in their lives and should be concerned with the problems of being rather than the problems of solving. It takes courage to become the person we should be and our choices determine that. There is a constant struggle in regard to the security of dependence and the joy and pain of growth. We realize that, though we want to grow towards maturity and independence, this is often a painful process (Corey, 2013). Rollo May also suggested that creativity is in important aspect of existentialism and in the book entitled The Courage to Create, Rollo May defined creativity as the process of bringing something new into being (1975). We are constantly doing this as we develop awareness and move towards being a more authentic person. The authentic individual is constantly in the process of making choices, taking responsibility for them, and being aware that they have consequences (Robertson, …show more content…

One way is by encouraging everyone in the organization to further their education at a university or complete on-line classes at the hospital. Having a tuition reimbursement program makes it easier for an employee to reach their goal of self-actualization. The hospital also conducts health fairs twice a year, offers psychological counseling to employees, and offers coaching by the department managers regarding employee conduct and expectations. All of these play a part in the dynamics of employee behavior within the hospital. Most employees become better and more satisfied employees as a result of these programs and this is what positive psychology is all