The Hidden Factor That Can Make or Break Your Overseas Assignments

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When you send an employee overseas, you're investing serious time and money. You want that assignment to succeed. But here's what many companies miss: the happiness of the employee themselves. As Sarah Dennis, head of international for Everywhen, points out, health and wellbeing support is directly tied to how well someone performs abroad. It's not just about being nice—it's about getting results. ### Why Happiness Matters for Business Outcomes Let's look at the numbers. Our research shows that 26% of employers worry their overseas employees will be unhappy and want to come home early. Another 19% are concerned the assignment might fail entirely. Those are real risks. But here's the thing: when you support mental and physical health, you boost happiness. And happy employees? They're more productive. That means better outcomes for both the person and the company. Think of it this way: a healthy, happy employee is like a well-tuned engine. They run smoother, last longer, and get you where you need to go. ### The Holistic Approach to Employee Support Employee happiness isn't just about one thing. It's a combination of: - Mental health support - Physical health resources - Personal safety measures - Career development opportunities Each piece matters. And when you put them together, you create an environment where people can thrive. ### The Gap Between Concern and Action Here's where it gets interesting. Our research found that 35% of employers are concerned about mental health and wellbeing of overseas employees. The same percentage worry about physical health. And 34% have concerns about personal safety. Yet nearly a third of businesses (32%) don't prioritize health and wellbeing for their overseas staff. That's a disconnect. You're worried, but you're not acting. And only 60% of employers say safety is a top priority. That's concerning—not just for employees, but for compliance and duty of care obligations. ### Why Overseas Support Is Different Supporting employees abroad isn't the same as supporting them at home. When someone's in a foreign country, they might not have easy access to healthcare, mental health services, or even a support network. They can feel isolated. Plus, risks vary by location. What's safe in one country might be dangerous in another. Employers need to be aware of these differences and provide tailored support—from guidance on traveling alone to emergency protocols. ### Compliance Gets Complicated Mandatory health and wellbeing support differs by country. It's not simple. But that doesn't mean you should ignore it. Sometimes you need expert advice to navigate the rules. The cost of getting it wrong? Failed assignments, unhappy employees, and legal trouble. ### What Employers Actually Prioritize Our research shows that 47% of companies say fulfilling business objectives is their top priority for supporting employees abroad. Another 41% focus on career progression. Those are important goals. But they shouldn't come at the expense of health, safety, and wellbeing. In fact, supporting those areas makes it more likely you'll hit your business targets. ### The Opportunity for Employers Here's the good news: if you're worried about your overseas employees, help is available. There are resources to support both the employee and your business. The message is clear: take action. Review the support you offer. Look at what's required in each country where you have staff. Prioritize health, safety, and wellbeing—not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it leads to better outcomes. ### Final Thoughts Employee happiness isn't a soft issue. It's a business imperative. When you invest in your people's wellbeing, you're investing in the success of your assignments. And that's a return worth pursuing.