Work and Human Needs

Overview

Ben went home as usual from Antz last Friday afternoon. On Saturday night, he won $6 million from Lotto. What is Ben going to do on Monday morning? The first thing a lot of people would say is that Ben won't be going back to work, but would that always be the case?

Work is often something we actually need to do. We have a lot of our identity tied up in what we do at work. If someone asks you what you do, how do you answer? You probably identify your work and say 'I'm a plumber' (or a writer, or a footballer). You are not so likely to admit that you sit around all day and look at the grass growing.

Another benefit of work is the social activity that comes from being in a workplace.

People need to have a purpose, and work often fills that need.

Let's find out more about different views of work and human needs.

Although the form of work is in transition, one thing remains constant. Most people have a strong need to work. The desire to be creative, enterprising, and active is built into most of us. In addition, most people want to be of service, to help, and to feel we have contributed and been of use to someone else.

You might originally have gone to work because you needed the money. However, as you become more affluent, or you develop other interests, the money can become less important. You might find all sorts of other reasons why you work, and it is when money goes out of the picture (as with a Lotto win) that you find other reasons why you need to work.

Think about how people would respond if you asked them what they would do if they won Lotto. Probably, after a few minutes of excited speculation, most would decide they would continue to do work of some kind. Some would remain in their present trade. Others would start a business or charity. Still others would become more seriously involved in a hobby such as woodworking or gardening.

Few would choose to be idle. Bill Gates, the world's richest person, still goes to work.

This strong need to contribute is one reason why unemployment is so devastating. Unemployment makes people feel useless and unneeded. However, for many people just having a job is not enough. They want their work to be satisfying and rewarding.