The Hidden Link Between Employee Happiness and Overseas Assignment Success

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When you send an employee overseas, you're betting on their ability to deliver results while adapting to a new culture, time zone, and work environment. But there's one factor that often gets overlooked: their happiness. According to recent research, 26% of employers worry that employees abroad will be unhappy and want to return home. Another 19% fear the assignment won't work out. These concerns are valid, but they point to a deeper issue that many businesses fail to address proactively. ### Why Happiness Matters for Business Outcomes Health and wellbeing support is key to all-round mental and physical health. It directly affects employee happiness, and happy employees are more productive. That means better outcomes for both the employee and the business. Think about it: when someone feels supported, they're more engaged, more creative, and more likely to stick with the assignment. When they don't, you risk losing your investment in time, money, and talent. Here's what the data shows: - 47% of employers say fulfilling business objectives is their top priority for overseas employees - 41% prioritize career progression - But only 60% make safety a top priority - And a worrying 32% don't prioritize health and wellbeing at all ### The Holistic Approach Employers Need Employee happiness isn't just about offering a gym membership or a wellness app. It's about taking a holistic view that covers mental health, physical health, personal safety, and career growth. Mental and physical health are deeply connected. When employees feel isolated abroad, their mental health can suffer, which then impacts their physical wellbeing. And when they don't feel safe, it's hard to focus on work. Employers must look at the whole picture. That means: - Providing access to mental health resources, like counseling or teletherapy - Ensuring physical health support, including health insurance and access to local healthcare - Offering clear safety protocols, from travel guidelines to emergency procedures - Supporting career progression, so employees see the assignment as a growth opportunity ### The Risks of Ignoring Wellbeing Nearly a third of businesses don't prioritize health and wellbeing for overseas employees. That's a risky move. Not only does it affect employee happiness and retention, but it can also lead to compliance failures. Mandatory health and wellbeing support varies by country. Employers need to know what's required in each location. Ignoring these obligations can result in legal issues, fines, or damage to the company's reputation. Plus, when employees feel unsupported, they're more likely to want to come home early. That means you've wasted the time and money spent on relocation, training, and setup. ### What Employers Can Do Right Now If you're concerned about your overseas employees' happiness, start by reviewing the support you currently offer. Ask yourself: - Are we meeting local legal requirements for health and safety? - Do employees have access to mental health support? - Have we communicated safety protocols clearly? - Are we tracking employee satisfaction and wellbeing regularly? Expert advice can help you navigate the complexities of different countries' regulations. But the first step is acknowledging that employee happiness isn't a soft issue—it's a business imperative. When you invest in your employees' wellbeing, you're investing in the success of the assignment. And that's a win for everyone.