The Hidden Factor That Determines Assignment Success

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When you send an employee overseas, you're investing time, money, and trust. But there's one factor many companies overlook—employee happiness. It's not just a nice-to-have; it's the engine that drives assignment success. ### Why Happiness Matters More Than You Think Health and wellbeing support is key to mental and physical health. It fuels employee happiness, which directly impacts productivity. Our latest research shows that 26% of employers worry their overseas employees will be unhappy and want to return home. Another 19% fear the assignment might fail. The solution? Robust health and wellbeing support. Happy employees are healthier, more productive, and more likely to stay the course—benefiting both the individual and the business. ### The Real Cost of Ignoring Wellbeing Setting up an employee abroad takes serious resources. You've got relocation costs, visa fees, and training time. So it's understandable that you're invested in the assignment's success. But here's the thing: prioritizing health, safety, and wellbeing isn't a distraction from success—it's the path to it. Neglecting these areas can lead to early returns, failed assignments, and even legal trouble. ### What Employers Are (and Aren't) Doing Our research reveals a worrying gap. Nearly a third of businesses (32%) don't prioritize health and wellbeing for overseas employees. And only 60% say safety is a top priority. That's a problem, not just for employees but for employers who risk failing in their duty of care. On the flip side, 35% of employers are concerned about mental health, another 35% about physical health, and 34% about personal safety. The disconnect is clear: concern without action doesn't help anyone. ### Health and Wellbeing Support: A Practical Guide Here's what you can do to support your overseas employees: - **Conduct a risk assessment** for each country. Risks vary by region—from safety protocols for solo travel to emergency procedures. - **Provide mandatory health support** tailored to local laws. This can get complicated, so consider expert advice to stay compliant. - **Offer mental health resources** like counseling or wellness apps. Isolation abroad can amplify stress. - **Check in regularly** with employees. A simple call can make a world of difference. - **Prioritize career progression**—41% of employers say it's a top priority. Show employees there's a future beyond the assignment. ### The Bottom Line Employee happiness isn't a soft metric; it's a hard driver of success. When you support wellbeing, you reduce turnover, boost productivity, and protect your company from legal risks. The message is simple: if you're concerned about your overseas employees, take action. Support is available, and it pays off for everyone. With this in mind, employers should review their support systems and ensure they meet the unique needs of each location. A little effort goes a long way.