We’d like to put a shout-out to G Adventures, in recognition of an amazing initiative which supports business development opportunities for ex-employees worldwide. Yep, that’s what we said, ex-employees!
Most great companies have career development strategies in place for employees. However, until now, we knew none that actively developed policies to support staff when they find themselves looking for a new challenge.
Being a tour guide is a tough gig! Living a nomadic lifestyle with weeks or months away from friends and family inevitably leads to burnout at some stage. Amongst other tour companies, this is often an awkward subject. Energy levels fade over time, steps are taken to boost morale, but over time productivity generally slips again, and there’s little option but to terminate the guides employment.
G Adventures recognised this back in 2015 and wanting to support its best guides, it launched the G Values Fund. It’s a smart initiative that allows tour guides (or in G’s case, it’s Chief Experience Officers or CEOs) who are at the tail end of their careers to continue working with the company in a different capacity: as entrepreneurs.
CEOs can apply for a low-interest loan to start a tourism-related business that provides value and branded experiences for G Adventures customers. Through funding and mentorship, the G Values Fund provides an opportunity for CEOs to start a business and experience a whole new level of freedom within the G community.
It’s a great idea – we love it!
To learn more about the G Values Fund, visit: https://gvaluesfund.com and if you think you have what it takes to be a G Adventures CEO, visit: https://www.gadventures.com.au/careers/tour-leaders/