Why Employee Happiness Is the Hidden Key to Overseas Assignment Success

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When you send an employee overseas, you're investing serious time and money. But here's what many businesses miss: the secret to making that investment pay off isn't just about hitting business goals—it's about keeping your people happy. Employee happiness isn't just a nice-to-have. It's the engine that drives productivity, retention, and overall assignment success. And yet, too many companies treat it as an afterthought. ### The Real Cost of Unhappy Overseas Employees Think about it. You've spent months planning a global assignment. You've arranged visas, housing, and logistics. Then, six months in, your employee wants to come home. According to recent research, 26% of employers worry this will happen. Another 19% fear the assignment simply won't work out. Those fears are valid. But they're also preventable. When employees are unhappy abroad, productivity drops. Morale sinks. And the business objectives you were trying to achieve start slipping away. The fix isn't complicated: prioritize health and wellbeing from day one. ### Health and Wellbeing: The Foundation of Happiness Health and wellbeing support is key to all-round mental and physical health. It supports employee happiness, and that directly impacts work success. Healthy, happy employees are more productive. They solve problems better. They stick around longer. But here's the tricky part: health and wellbeing needs vary by location. Risks differ from country to country. What's mandatory in one region might be optional in another. That complexity can feel overwhelming, but ignoring it isn't an option. ### What Employers Get Wrong Our research uncovered some surprising gaps. Nearly a third of businesses (32%) don't prioritize the health and wellbeing of their overseas employees. Even more alarming: only 60% say safety is a top priority. That's a problem on multiple levels. First, it's a duty of care issue. Employers have legal obligations to protect their people abroad. Second, it's a business issue. When employees feel unsupported, assignments fail. Here's what employers told us they're worried about: - 35% are concerned about mental health and wellbeing of overseas staff - 35% are concerned about physical health and wellbeing - 34% worry about personal safety But here's the contradiction: if 32% of businesses aren't prioritizing health and wellbeing, those concerns are just worries without action. ### The Business Case for Happiness Supporting employee happiness isn't just the right thing to do—it's smart business. Our research shows that 47% of employers say fulfilling business objectives is a top priority for overseas assignments. Another 41% focus on career progression. But here's the connection: when employees are happy and healthy, they're more likely to achieve those objectives. They're more engaged. They're more committed. And they're less likely to cut their assignment short. So how do you bridge the gap between concern and action? ### Practical Steps for Employers Start by reviewing the support you offer overseas staff. Ask yourself: - Are we providing adequate mental health resources? - Do employees have access to physical healthcare in their host country? - Have we assessed safety risks specific to their location? - Are we offering support that addresses isolation and culture shock? Don't try to do it alone. Expert advice can help you navigate the complexities of different countries' regulations. The goal is to create a support system that feels holistic—covering mental, physical, and social wellbeing. ### The Bottom Line Employee happiness isn't a soft metric. It's a hard driver of assignment success. When you invest in your people's wellbeing, you're investing in your business outcomes. The two are inseparable. So take a close look at what you're offering. Ask your overseas employees what they need. Then act on it. The payoff—happier employees, better results, and fewer failed assignments—is worth every effort.