The backpacking professional is a professional whose sense of loyalty in the traditional notion is low and is ready to take off to experience new adventures and discover a new trail.
Like the backpacker who has a low commitment to a non institutionalized form of travel, similarly the backpacking professional wants to experience the “real” destination and is committed to education and learning rather than the packaged version of the experience.
While dealing with a fixed itinerary, backpackers feel trapped, claustrophobic and start looking for the exit.
How do we deal with this backpacker in our organizations? They are all around us and are ready to move on to newer trails or even take career breaks.
The myths about backpackers is that they are supposed to be young and don’t look rich enough. Beating that stereotype, the backpacking experience, while a phenomena of the youth, is slowly moving across generations.
So what do these backpackers seek? They seek ‘authenticity’ in communication, in relationships, in learning and in feedback. They are looking for being ‘inspired’ and waiting for what unravels at the next turn.
It’s time to acknowledge their motivations and redefine older norms. Are we ready to change our notions about loyalty – from ‘tenure’ to ‘new experiences’?
The findings of the industry study (IT/ ITes in India) for managing generations at work, has revealed a significant mind shift in the notion of loyalty for the youth.
So isn’t it time to warmly welcome the backpacker and enable them to blaze new trails within organizational spaces.
