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Work psychology some interesting theories that will change your outlook

Work psychology some interesting theories that will change your outlook

By Roberta Salzano

Published: May 9, 2025

Over the years, the idea of respecting the psychological well-being of the employee has become increasingly popular. This is where occupational psychology steps in to explain to us that the employee is a collaborator and that to his or her person brings a great deal of value in terms of ideas, thoughts, and comortions. Let us look at a small survey of 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

Occupational psychology originated around the early 1900s as industrial psychology. It is concerned with the life of the individual in the workplace within the corporate environment and the interactions he or she has with co-workers.

The main areas of occupational psychology are:

  • Human resource development
  • Improvement of organizational structure
  • Employee motivation and well-being
  • Job security
  • Training courses
  • and more

Who is an occupational psychologist?

An occupational and organizational psychologist, as you will see from the different subject areas plays different roles within the company. First, he analyzes groups and how they interact with each other. In fact, he deals with the relationships and dynamics between groups, any psychological situations that need to be handled (such as burn out or integration), personnel selection, or even interventions where there are risks of bullying or bullying. We can see it as a mediator who deals with maintaining balances and well-being within the company.

Several theories address basic needs and passions, which contribute to personal development. Here are some of them:

The Coué method (1926)

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 theory was published, but it is a highly regarded theory in the world.

Among his observations was the law of inverse effort: imagination always prevails over will. One way to overcome his prejudices.

His doctrine, which almost 100 years later still finds application,is based on four basic principles:

  1. If imagination and will clash,it is the former that influences the latter. Always
  2. In the conflict between the 2 the force of imagination is in direct relation to will squared
  3. If the two are in agreement, they do not add up but multiply each other
  4. 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 5 basic needs that are met one after the other, from the most essential (the base) to the most "superfluous" (the consecration) which is the need for self-actualization. By creating a hierarchy of needs as man shows how his needs change step by step that the various needs are met. Today, we live in an age where fortunately states manage to provide for an individual's main needs, the struggle for survival is much more often replaced by a need for self-realization of individuals.

©Inside marketing

Some have deflected it humorously with the needs of our hyper-connected age:

©Twitter

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 turn 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 devoted 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 instill in your own the ability to see things positively.

Neurolinguistic programming or NLP (1973)

Neurolinguistic programming is a pragmatic approach in applied psychology developed by Richard Bandler and John Grinder.

One of its principles is to impart "know-how" (skills) and "know how" to those who need it, for a better understanding of themselves.

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 association of the words ikiri (to live) and gai (to fulfill 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 reflection on your talents, achievements, likes and values.

Some people 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 even in your work you must look for something that gives you passion . For those who are employers, it is important to let them 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

Please note, 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 canceling, I went alone and did what I wanted when I wanted, I also met a lot of people who would never have talked to me if it was just the two of us."

"I panicked at the thought of being 20 meters underwater, but diving has always attracted me. I did an internship at a specialized center: one dive a day, I had to like it in short! I just returned with my Level I diploma and have already booked my next stay for Level II."

A successful company begins with the well-being of its employees

All the theories we have shown you today are to make you understand that motivation and self-esteem must start with our beliefs. If we are managers, however, we have the ability to instill positivity in those around us and create a peaceful and stimulating environment.

Article translated from Italian