The Hidden Key to Making Overseas Assignments Actually Work

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

Let's be honest: sending an employee overseas is a big deal. You invest time, money, and a whole lot of hope that the assignment will pay off. But there's one factor that often gets overlooked, and it might be the most important one of all: employee happiness. ### Why Happiness Matters More Than You Think Health and wellbeing support isn't just a nice-to-have. It's the foundation for everything else. When employees feel supported mentally and physically, they're happier. And happy employees? They're more productive. It's that simple. 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 altogether. Those numbers should be a wake-up call. If you're not prioritizing wellbeing, you're practically inviting those problems in. ### The Real Cost of Ignoring Wellbeing Think about what it takes to set up an employee abroad. There's relocation, housing, visas, cultural training, and all the logistics that come with it. The total cost can easily run into tens of thousands of dollars. So when an assignment fails, it's not just a disappointment. It's a financial hit. But here's the thing: focusing on health and wellbeing isn't a distraction from achieving business goals. It's actually the best way to get there. Supporting happiness directly boosts the chances of a successful posting. ### What Employers Are Getting Wrong Our research uncovered some troubling gaps. Nearly a third of businesses (32%) don't prioritize health and wellbeing for their overseas employees. Even more concerning, only 60% of employers say safety is a top priority. That's a big problem, especially when you consider that 35% of employers are worried about their employees' mental health, and another 35% are concerned about physical health. So why the disconnect? It seems like many employers know the risks but aren't taking action. Maybe it's because compliance across different countries gets complicated. Or maybe it's because the day-to-day pressures of business push wellbeing down the priority list. ### Practical Steps to Get It Right Here's what you can do to turn things around: - **Start with a safety audit.** Risks vary by country. Know what your employees are facing, from travel safety to emergency protocols. - **Understand local requirements.** Every country has different rules for mandatory health and wellbeing support. Don't guess. Get expert advice to stay compliant. - **Make wellbeing a core priority, not an afterthought.** That means dedicating budget, time, and attention to it, just like you would for any other business objective. - **Check in regularly.** Isolation is a real issue for overseas employees. Regular communication can make a huge difference to their happiness and sense of connection. ### The Bottom Line Our research shows that 47% of employers say fulfilling business objectives is their top priority for overseas assignments, and 41% focus on career progression. Those are important goals. But they're much more achievable when you start with the basics: health, safety, and happiness. When you support your employees' wellbeing, you're not just being nice. You're making a smart business decision. Happy employees stay longer, perform better, and help your assignments succeed. And that's a win for everyone. So take a close look at the support you're offering your overseas staff. If you're not sure where to start, that's okay. The important thing is to start. Your employees, and your bottom line, will thank you.