The Overlooked Factor That Determines Overseas Assignment Success

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When companies send employees overseas, they pour significant time and money into logistics, compliance, and business objectives. But there's one factor that often gets pushed to the back burner, and it could be the very thing that makes or breaks the whole assignment: employee happiness. You see, happiness isn't just a nice-to-have. It's directly tied to productivity, retention, and ultimately, the success of the placement. Our latest research shows that 26% of employers worry their overseas employees will be unhappy and want to come home, while 19% fear the assignment itself might fail. Those numbers are telling. They suggest that many companies are already sensing a problem but aren't sure how to fix it. ### Why Happiness Matters More Than You Think Health and wellbeing support is the foundation here. When employees feel supported physically and mentally, they're more engaged, more productive, and more likely to stick with the assignment. It's a simple equation: healthy, happy employees equal better business outcomes. But here's the thing: working abroad can be isolating. There's less readily available support, cultural differences to navigate, and often a sense of being on your own. That's why employers need to take a holistic approach to support, addressing mental health, physical health, and safety all at once. ### The Gap Between Concern and Action Our research uncovered a troubling disconnect. Over a third of employers (35%) are concerned about the mental health of their overseas employees, and another 35% worry about physical health. Yet nearly a third of businesses (32%) don't prioritize health and wellbeing for their employees abroad. That's a gap that needs closing. Consider this: only 60% of employers say safety is a top priority for overseas staff. That means 40% aren't making it a priority, which is not just a risk for employees but a potential compliance and duty-of-care nightmare for the company. ### What Employers Get Right (and Wrong) To be fair, companies do focus on the assignment itself. 47% say fulfilling business objectives is a top priority, and 41% prioritize career progression. Those are important, but they shouldn't come at the expense of wellbeing. Here's a quick list of what employers should prioritize for overseas staff: - Mental health support, including access to counseling or wellness programs - Physical health resources, like local healthcare guidance and insurance - Personal safety protocols, from travel safety to emergency procedures - Regular check-ins to combat isolation and monitor wellbeing ### The Compliance Factor Mandatory health and wellbeing support varies by country and region. That can get complicated fast. But complexity isn't an excuse to overlook it. Instead, companies should seek expert advice to ensure they're meeting local regulations. Failing to do so isn't just bad for employees, it's bad for business. ### The Bottom Line If you're an employer worried about overseas employee happiness, you're not alone. And the good news is, support is available. The key is to move from concern to action. Review what you're offering, close the gaps, and make wellbeing a genuine priority. Your employees, and your bottom line, will thank you.