Understanding the fundamental psychological needs of digital nomads in order to (re)design the work experience[Comprendre les besoins psychologiques fondamentaux des nomades numériques pour (re)penser l’expérience de travail]

This article explores the basic psychological needs and motivational components of digital nomads, so that organizations wishing to enhance their appeal to this audience can better orient their employer brand toward them. To understand which fundamental needs digital nomads seek to satisfy or to reduce, this research favors a qualitative approach combining 67 interviews and the online ethnography of three Facebook groups. The results, presented according to the conceptual framework of fundamental needs, show that digital nomads have needs for autonomy, social affiliation, competence, and meaning, which evolve according to the stages of nomadism. These expressed needs of nomads are all key capabilities that could be useful to organizations. The contribution of this research is therefore to enlighten employers in their management decisions regarding digital nomads, as well as individuals who might consider resorting to this lifestyle.