Overseas work offers unique benefits and challenges

A recent study has shown that people who live overseas continue to demonstrate higher health scores than their domestic counterparts despite personal and professional headwinds.

Cigna Healthcare has released the findings of its vitality study, which ultimately revealed that people who live overseas demonstrate higher health scores. The report shows that one in five globally mobile individuals exhibit the highest levels of vitality, underscoring their exceptional adaptability in the face of a unique lifestyle and professional challenges.

Key findings from the report displayed the overall satisfaction that globally mobile individuals have with their situations, despite the ongoing unique challenges that they have.

• Globally mobile individuals exhibit high levels of vitality: With an average vitality score of 71.7, the globally mobile live with higher vitality compared to those living in their home market (with a vitality score of 66.7). One in five of these individuals attains the highest level of vitality.
• Social and occupational vitality are key drivers of overall vitality: Globally mobile individuals report being 10 per cent more likely to build strong connections and 12 per cent more energetic and enthusiastic at work. They also score highly in intellectual (value learning new things) and environmental vitality (know places they can go in which they feel safe and well).
• Despite their satisfaction, challenges persist: Most globally mobile individuals are satisfied with their relocation. However, financial difficulties, homesickness, work/life balance, and health-related issues persist as common challenges for globally mobile individuals, with 77 per cent encountering at least one challenge in the past six months.
• They continue to thrive amid stress and burnout: Globally mobile individuals are more likely to report stress and experience burnout, 86 per cent and 96 per cent, respectively. Despite this, they are more likely to exhibit better mental wellbeing (58 per cent reporting excellent or very good mental wellbeing) compared to local counterparts, demonstrating their resilience. The correlation between high vitality and high stress may suggest a willingness to embrace stress as a natural aspect of relocation.

Wendy Sherry, chief executive of global health benefits, international health at Cigna Healthcare, gave her perspective on these key findings: “Every aspect of our vitality – physical, spiritual, emotional, environmental, social, occupational, financial, and intellectual – is as important as the other for balanced, sustainable wellbeing.”

“Today’s financial, work and social pressures are driving ever higher rates of burnout and stress, which are leading contributors to severe chronic conditions and ill health.”

The unique challenges of moving overseas can be tumultuous, with emotional difficulties of feeling isolated and missing home. Intertwine that with potential stress and burnout, the overseas situation isn’t all sunshine and rainbows and takes resiliency, as well as a good workplace situation.

“It’s common for globally mobile individuals to suffer social isolation, which can compound emotional difficulties or aggravate stress and burnout. The workplace is often their most valuable social outlet. Boosting occupational wellbeing and workplace culture is an effective lever to pull for improving globally mobile employee health and retention,” said Sherry.

The findings support how crucial it is for this cohort of individuals to have a healthy and supportive workplace and employer. According to the statistics, almost seven in 10 (69 per cent) of globally mobile respondents desire greater support from their employers.

Jason Sadler, president, international health at Cigna Healthcare, stated: “The globally mobile are vital to the modern workforce, but they encounter heightened levels of stress and work pressures. Despite facing personal and professional headwinds – from home sickness, to work-related stress, to worrying about the future – they remain exceptionally committed to their wellbeing and in tune with what they need to thrive.”

Although overseas opportunities can have clear positives in terms of your health and wellbeing, challenges will arise, which come with the terrain of working in a different country. Having your employer and workplace as a support system is fundamental for globally mobile workers, as they need it to help combat those unique challenges.

“For employers, this is a clear message. Put effective social, professional, intellectual and wellbeing supports in place, and the globally mobile will thrive. A strong starting point is having quality, worldwide health and wellbeing programs, flexible work arrangements and mental health supports. By doing so, organisations can foster a workplace culture that attracts and retains the best talents from around the world,” concluded Sadler.

Kace O'Neill

Kace O'Neill is a Graduate Journalist for HR Leader. Kace studied Media Communications and Maori studies at the University of Otago, he has a passion for sports and storytelling.