Why Employee Happiness Is the Hidden Key to Assignment Success

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When you send an employee overseas, you're making a big investment. You've poured time, money, and resources into setting them up. But here's the thing: none of that guarantees the assignment will succeed. What often gets overlooked is something simple yet powerful: employee happiness. It's not just about making people feel good. Happy employees are more productive, more engaged, and less likely to pack up and come home early. And that's a big deal for your bottom line. ### The Connection Between Happiness and Success Health and wellbeing support is the foundation. It fuels mental and physical health, which directly impacts happiness. And when employees are happy, they perform better. Our research shows that 26% of employers worry their overseas employees will be unhappy and want to return home. Another 19% fear the assignment itself might fail. These are real concerns, but they're also preventable. When you provide robust health and wellbeing support, you're not just checking a box. You're actively boosting the odds of success. Healthy, happy employees don't just survive abroad; they thrive. And that success ripples back to your business. ### Why Overseas Employees Need Extra Care Health, safety, and wellbeing should be top priorities for all employees, whether they're in the US or abroad. But for those working overseas, the stakes are higher. They're often isolated, with less access to familiar support systems. A simple health issue at home might be a quick doctor's visit. Abroad, it can feel overwhelming. This is why taking a holistic approach matters. You can't just focus on the business objectives and hope everything else falls into place. The assignment's success is tied to the employee's overall experience. If they're unhappy, the work will suffer. It's that straightforward. ### The Risks of Ignoring Wellbeing Risks vary by country and region. What's safe in one place might be dangerous in another. Employers need to be aware of these differences and offer appropriate support. This includes everything from guidance on traveling alone to emergency protocols. It's not just about compliance; it's about genuine care. But here's a troubling stat: nearly a third of businesses (32%) don't prioritize the health and wellbeing of their overseas employees. Even more concerning, only 60% say safety is a top priority. That's a gap that can lead to serious problems, both for the employee and the employer. You could be failing in your duty of care, and that's a risk no business should take. ### What Employers Are Actually Worried About Our research dug into the concerns employers have about sending staff abroad. Here's what we found: - 35% worry about mental health and wellbeing - 35% worry about physical health and wellbeing - 34% have concerns about personal safety These numbers are surprisingly high, especially given that 32% of businesses don't prioritize wellbeing. It seems contradictory. You're worried, but you're not acting on it? That's a missed opportunity. The good news is that support is available. You don't have to figure it all out alone. ### The Business Case for Happiness You might think focusing on happiness is soft or secondary. But the data tells a different story. 47% of employers say fulfilling business objectives is a top priority when supporting employees abroad. Another 41% prioritize career progression. These are valid goals, but they're harder to achieve without a happy, healthy employee. Think of it this way: a happy employee is more likely to stay, perform well, and contribute to those business objectives. They're also more likely to see the assignment as a stepping stone in their career. So investing in their happiness isn't just nice; it's smart business. ### Practical Steps You Can Take So what can you do? Start by reviewing the support you offer to overseas staff. Look at what's mandatory in each country, but don't stop there. Go beyond compliance. Ask yourself: - Are we providing mental health resources? - Do employees have access to local healthcare? - Is there a clear safety protocol in place? - How do we check in on their wellbeing regularly? Expert advice can help navigate the complexities of different regulations. But the key is to act. Don't wait until something goes wrong. ### The Bottom Line Employee happiness isn't a nice-to-have. It's a critical factor in the success of overseas assignments. When you prioritize health, safety, and wellbeing, you're not just protecting your employees. You're protecting your investment. And you're setting everyone up for success.