The needs hierarchy is Maslow’s theory of motivation, which is based on five needs. In the 1940s, Abraham Maslow developed one of the most popular and widely known motivation theories based on three major assumptions. People’s needs are arranged in order of importance (hierarchy), going from basic needs (physiological) to more complex needs (self-actualization).

People will not be motivated to satisfy a higher-level need unless the lower-level need has been at least minimally satisfied. There are five classifications of needs. Listed below are these five classes of needs in order of importance to the individual.

Physiological needs are your primary or basic needs. They include air, food, shelter, sex, and relief or avoidance of pain. These needs include adequate salary, breaks, and working conditions. Safety needs include safe working conditions, salary increases to meet inflation, job security, and fringe benefits that protect the physiological needs.

Social needs include the opportunity to interact with others, be accepted, and have friends. Esteem needs are your ego, status, self-respect, recognition for accomplishments, and a feeling of self-confidence and prestige. These needs include titles, the satisfaction of completing the job itself, merit pay raises, recognition, challenging tasks, and the chance for advancement.

Self-actualization is when you develop your full potential by seeking growth, achievement, and advancement. These needs include the development of one’s skills; the chance to be creative; achievement and promotions; and the ability to have complete control over one’s job.