How Well Does Your Workplace Support Employee Wellbeing?
- Michelle de Villiers
- Apr 16
- 4 min read
A Maslow-Inspired Assessment for Modern Companies
In today’s fast-paced work environments, employee wellbeing is more than just a perk—it’s a business imperative. But how can organisations meaningfully assess the support they provide to their teams beyond surface-level perks? Inspired by Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs, this framework breaks down employee wellness into five foundational levels: physiological needs, safety, belonging, esteem, and Self-actualisation. By asking thoughtful questions to both employees and leadership, companies can gain a deeper understanding of how well they're truly supporting their people—physically, emotionally, and professionally. Whether you're an HR leader, a manager, or a founder, this assessment can help you uncover blind spots and take actionable steps toward building a more human-centered workplace.
🥗 1. Physiological Needs (Food, Water, Rest)
Questions to Employees:
Do you feel like you have access to food options close to or inside the office when you need them?
Is there a comfortable space where you can take breaks or eat meals?
Do you have access to clean drinking water throughout the day?
Are you able to take rest or mental health breaks during your workday without guilt?
Do you feel physically comfortable working at your desk or workstation?
Questions to the Business:
Are there food options available within or near the office building?
Do you provide free or subsidised snacks, coffee, tea, or meals to staff?
Is there a dedicated break or lunch area for employees?
Do you offer flexible break times for staff to rest or recharge?
Do you provide ergonomic seating and workstations?
🛡 2. Safety Needs (Physical and Emotional Safety)
Questions to Employees:
Do you feel physically safe when traveling to and from the workplace?
Do you feel emotionally safe expressing your opinions at work?
Are you aware of any support systems in place if you face harassment or discrimination?
Do you feel that your job is secure in the short and long term?
Do you feel protected from burnout due to your current workload?
Questions to the Business:
Have there been any reported safety incidents involving staff commuting to/from the workplace?
Do you have protocols or security in place for emergencies, including after-hours support?
Is there an official policy and training around workplace harassment and discrimination?
Are performance expectations reviewed regularly to ensure they are reasonable and sustainable?
Do you offer mental health support or resources to your employees?
💬 3. Love / Belonging (Relationships & Social Environment)
Questions to Employees:
Do you feel comfortable having open conversations with your manager?
Do you feel supported and valued by your team?
Do you feel included in team activities and decisions?
Are you able to form meaningful relationships with colleagues at work?
Do you feel your team culture encourages collaboration over competition?
Questions to the Business:
Do you facilitate team bonding activities or social events?
Do managers receive training on empathetic communication and team support?
Is there a structured onboarding process to help new employees integrate socially?
Do you measure team engagement or collaboration through any regular check-ins or tools?
Is there a mentorship or buddy system in place?
🏅 4. Esteem (Recognition, Respect, Achievement)
Questions to Employees:
Do you feel recognised for your contributions at work?
Do you believe your role adds meaningful value to the company?
Are your opinions and ideas taken seriously by leadership?
Do you have clear goals and know what success looks like in your role?
Do you feel encouraged to take on new challenges or responsibilities?
Questions to the Business:
Do you have a recognition or reward system for employee achievements?
Are there regular performance reviews that include positive feedback?
Do you offer professional development or training opportunities?
Are employees encouraged and supported in pursuing promotions or role changes?
Do managers receive guidance on how to give constructive and affirming feedback?
🌱 5. Self-Actualisation (Growth, Fulfilment, Purpose)
Questions to Employees:
Do you feel like you're growing personally and professionally in your current role?
Are you encouraged to pursue creative or innovative ideas?
Do you feel your work aligns with your personal values or goals?
Do you have opportunities to learn new skills or take on passion projects?
Do you feel empowered to make decisions or take initiative in your role?
Questions to the Business:
Do you support career path planning or personal development plans for employees?
Are there platforms or forums for employees to share innovative ideas?
Do you provide access to learning resources like courses, workshops, or conferences?
Are leaders actively modeling purpose-driven and values-based decision-making?
Is there flexibility in roles to allow employees to explore different aspects of their potential?
If you're ready to take the next step in understanding and improving employee wellbeing in your organisation, we offer a complete Employee Wellness Gap Analysis based on this Maslow-inspired framework. Our team will handle everything—from deploying the survey to analysing the results and identifying key opportunities for growth. You'll receive a detailed report with actionable insights to help you build a healthier, more engaged workplace. Contact us today for a personalised quote and let’s start building a culture where your people can truly thrive.
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