The Hidden Factor That Determines Whether Overseas Assignments Succeed or Fail

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When an employee packs their bags for an overseas assignment, most companies focus on the logistics. Visas, housing, tax compliance, and business objectives. But there's one factor that often slips through the cracks, and it might be the single biggest predictor of whether that assignment will work out. That factor is employee happiness. And it's not just a nice-to-have. It's directly tied to productivity, retention, and the bottom line. ### Why Happiness Matters More Than You Think Health and wellbeing support is key to all-round mental and physical health. It supports employee happiness, and happy employees tend to be more productive. That's not just a feel-good statement. According to recent research, 26% of employers worry their overseas employees will be unhappy and want to return home early. Another 19% are concerned the assignment might not work out at all. When you invest in robust health and wellbeing support, you're not just being nice. You're increasing the chances that the assignment succeeds, for both the employee and the business. ### The Real Cost of Ignoring Wellbeing Here's the uncomfortable truth: nearly a third of businesses (32%) do not prioritize the health and wellbeing of their employees abroad. And only 60% of employers say safety is a top priority. That's a problem. Not just for the employee, but for the employer too. Consider the costs of a failed assignment. The time and money spent on relocation, training, and setup. The lost productivity. The potential damage to client relationships. All of that can be avoided by taking a more holistic approach. ### What Employers Are Actually Worried About Our research dug into the specific concerns employers have about sending staff overseas. Here's what we found: - 35% are worried about mental health and wellbeing - 35% are worried about physical health and wellbeing - 34% have concerns about personal safety It's interesting that these numbers exist alongside the fact that 32% of businesses don't prioritize health and wellbeing. That's a disconnect. If you're worried about something, why aren't you doing something about it? ### The Compliance Angle You Can't Ignore Mandatory health and wellbeing support varies by country and region. What's required in the UK might be completely different from what's needed in Singapore or Brazil. This can get complicated fast, but that's not an excuse to overlook it. Expert advice can help ensure you're complying with local regulations. But more importantly, it helps you fulfill your duty of care. And that's not just a legal obligation. It's a moral one. ### Balancing Business Goals with Employee Needs Our research shows that 47% of employers say fulfilling business objectives is a top priority when supporting employees abroad. Another 41% say career progression is key. Those are valid goals. But they shouldn't come at the expense of health, safety, and wellbeing. In fact, supporting wellbeing is likely to improve the success of the posting. Happy employees are more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stay for the full duration of the assignment. It's a win-win. ### What You Can Do Right Now If you're sending employees overseas, here's a quick checklist to review: - Assess the specific risks in each country or region - Provide clear guidance on safety, from traveling alone to emergency protocols - Offer mental health support, like access to counseling or wellness resources - Ensure physical health needs are covered, including local healthcare options - Stay compliant with local laws by consulting experts in each jurisdiction The bottom line is this: employee happiness isn't a soft metric. It's a hard business driver. And in the context of overseas assignments, it might be the difference between a successful placement and a costly failure. Take a close look at the support you're offering. Ask your employees what they actually need. And don't be afraid to invest in their wellbeing. The return on that investment is real.