Why Employee Happiness Is the Secret to Successful Overseas Assignments

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

You've spent months planning an overseas assignment. You've sorted out visas, housing, and the budget. But have you thought about whether your employee will actually be happy there? It's a question that too many companies overlook. And it might be the very thing that determines whether your assignment succeeds or fails. ### The Real Cost of Unhappy Employees Here's the thing: when employees are unhappy abroad, they want to come home. Our research shows that 26% of employers worry about this exact scenario. Another 19% fear the assignment won't work out at all. Those are big numbers. And they point to a simple truth: happiness isn't just a nice-to-have. It's a business imperative. Think about it. A disengaged employee costs you productivity, morale, and ultimately, money. You've already invested thousands in setting up this assignment. Why risk it all by ignoring something as fundamental as happiness? ### Health and Wellbeing: The Foundation of Happiness Health and wellbeing support is the bedrock. It's not just about physical health, though that matters. It's about mental health too. According to our research, 35% of employers are concerned about the mental health of their overseas employees. The same percentage worries about physical health. And 34% have concerns about personal safety. So what can you do? - Provide comprehensive health insurance that covers mental health services - Offer access to counseling or therapy, even remotely - Create clear safety protocols for everything from travel to emergencies - Check in regularly with employees, not just about work, but about how they're doing These aren't just nice gestures. They're smart business moves. Happy employees are more productive employees. Period. ### The Gap Between Concern and Action Here's where it gets interesting. We found that 32% of businesses don't prioritize health and wellbeing for overseas employees. And only 60% say safety is a top priority. That's a disconnect. You're worried about your employees, but you're not acting on that worry. > "If employers are concerned about employees, support is available to assist them, and the business." The message is clear: concern without action is just worry. Real support requires investment. ### What Employees Actually Need Our research also reveals what employers prioritize for overseas staff. Nearly half (47%) say fulfilling business objectives is the top priority. Career progression comes in at 41%. Those are important. But they miss the bigger picture. Employees need: - A sense of belonging in their new location - Support for their family, if they've moved with them - Clear communication about what's expected - A safety net when things go wrong - Recognition for the courage it takes to work abroad These aren't soft skills. They're survival tools for your assignment. ### Why Compliance Matters More Than You Think Different countries have different rules. Mandatory health and wellbeing support varies by region. This can get complicated fast. But here's the thing: ignoring these rules isn't an option. You could be failing in your duty of care. You could be breaking the law. The solution? Get expert advice. Don't try to figure it out on your own. A specialist can help you navigate the complexities and ensure you're doing right by your employees and your business. ### The Bottom Line Employee happiness isn't a distraction from business success. It's a driver of it. When you invest in health, safety, and wellbeing, you get: - Higher productivity - Lower turnover - Better assignment outcomes - Stronger employer brand - Fewer legal risks So take a hard look at what you're offering your overseas employees. Is it enough? Are you truly supporting their happiness? If not, now's the time to change. Your employees, and your bottom line, will thank you.