Why Employee Happiness Is the Hidden Key to Overseas Assignment Success

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-15

When you send an employee overseas, you invest a lot of time and money. You want the assignment to succeed. But there is one factor many employers overlook: happiness. Let's talk about why it matters more than you think. ### The Connection Between Happiness and Productivity Health and wellbeing support is key to all-round mental and physical health. It supports the happiness of the employee and, therefore, is likely to have a positive impact on the success of their work too. According to our latest research, 26% of employers are concerned that employees overseas may be unhappy and will want to return home. Another 19% worry the assignment may not work out. Providing robust health and wellbeing support promotes overall wellbeing, thus helping with happiness. And healthy, happy employees tend to be more productive, increasing the success of the employee and the business. Employee happiness when working overseas is, and should be, a genuine concern for employers. Mental and physical health, along with the success of the placement and assignment, are all connected to employee happiness. Employers must take a holistic approach to providing support that addresses all these areas. ### Why Overseas Employees Need Extra Support Health, safety, and wellbeing should be the top priorities for supporting all employees, whether they are based in the US or overseas. However, it is arguably even more important to prioritize these areas for employees based abroad. There may be less readily available support, and employees can feel isolated. Given the time and money it takes to set up an employee overseas, it is understandable that an employer is invested in the success of the assignment. But this should not overtake the priorities of health, safety, and wellbeing. In fact, supporting health and wellbeing, and therefore happiness, is very likely to improve the success of a posting abroad. ### Understanding Regional Risks and Requirements Risks associated with working abroad will differ by country and region. It's vital that employers are aware of these and offer appropriate support for the safety of their workforce. This includes guidance on traveling alone and protocols on what to do in an emergency. Similarly, the mandatory health and wellbeing support that employers are obligated to provide for overseas employees will differ for each region and every country. This can prove complicated, but it does not mean the issues should be overlooked. Expert advice may be needed to help ensure employers comply with the rules of each country in which employees are based. ### What Employers Prioritize (And What They Miss) Our research shows the importance of the assignment itself. Here is what employers said are their top priorities: - Fulfilling business objectives: 47% - Career progression: 41% - Safety of overseas employees: 60% - Health and wellbeing: only 68% (meaning 32% do not prioritize it) Nearly a third of businesses (32%) do not prioritize the health and wellbeing of their employees abroad. Furthermore, just 60% of employers stated that the safety of overseas employees is a top priority. This is a worrying result for the employees themselves, but also for their employers, who may be failing to comply with regulations and possibly failing in their duty of care. Combined with the fact that 26% of employers worry that their employees will be unhappy and want to return home, employers who take action are likely to see positive outcomes all round. > "If employers are concerned about employees, support is available to assist them, and the business." ### The Gap Between Concern and Action Our research investigated the concerns employers have regarding their employees working abroad. Over a third (35%) are concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of overseas employees. An equal 35% are concerned about physical health and wellbeing. In addition, 34% have concerns about employees' personal safety. It may seem at odds that employers are concerned for mental and physical health and personal safety, given 32% of businesses don't prioritize the health and wellbeing of their overseas employees. The message here is clear: if employers are concerned about employees, support is available to assist them and the business. ### How to Take Action With this in mind, employers may wish to review the support they offer to overseas staff. Take a close look at what is required by each country. Talk to your employees about their needs. A happy employee is a productive one. And that is good for everyone.