The Hidden Happiness Factor That Determines Assignment Success

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When you send an employee overseas, you're betting on their success. But here's what most companies miss: happiness isn't just a nice-to-have. It's the engine that drives everything else. You've invested time and money setting up that international assignment. You've got business objectives to hit. Yet according to our latest research, 26% of employers worry their overseas employees will be unhappy and want to come home. And 19% fear the assignment simply won't work out. Those numbers should make you pause. Because when an employee is unhappy, productivity drops, engagement fades, and that expensive assignment starts looking like a costly mistake. ### Why Happiness Matters More Than You Think Health and wellbeing support is the foundation. It supports mental and physical health, which fuels happiness, which drives success. It's a chain reaction. Consider this: healthy, happy employees are more productive. They solve problems better. They stick around longer. And for overseas assignments, where isolation and unfamiliarity can take a toll, that support becomes even more critical. Yet nearly a third of businesses (32%) don't prioritize health and wellbeing for their international staff. That's a missed opportunity. ### The Real Risks of Ignoring Wellbeing Risks vary by country and region. One location might have safety concerns around traveling alone. Another might lack reliable healthcare. Employers need to be aware of these differences and offer appropriate support. But here's the tricky part: mandatory health and wellbeing requirements also differ by region. It's complicated. But that doesn't mean you should ignore it. It means you may need expert advice to stay compliant. ### What Employers Are Getting Wrong Our research reveals a disconnect. Over a third of employers (35%) are concerned about overseas employees' mental health. Another 35% worry about physical health. And 34% have concerns about personal safety. Yet 32% of businesses don't prioritize health and wellbeing for their international staff. That's a gap between concern and action. Here's what employers prioritize instead: - Fulfilling business objectives: 47% say this is top priority - Career progression: 41% say this is top priority - Safety of overseas employees: only 60% say this is top priority Those numbers should worry you. If you're not prioritizing safety and wellbeing, you're not just failing your employees. You may be failing your duty of care. ### The Simple Solution: Act on Your Concerns The message is clear: if you're concerned about your employees, support is available. Don't let worry sit idle. Review what you offer. Start by asking: - Are we meeting mandatory health requirements in each country? - Do we have clear safety protocols for travel and emergencies? - Are we providing mental health resources? - How do we check in with isolated employees? When you take action, you see positive outcomes. Happier employees. More successful assignments. A stronger business. ### Don't Let Happiness Be an Afterthought Employee happiness when working overseas should be a genuine concern. Mental health. Physical health. Assignment success. They're all connected. Take a holistic approach. Support health and wellbeing, and you'll likely improve the success of any posting abroad. It's not just the right thing to do. It's the smart thing.