More regular reviews of benefits result in notably better wellbeing outcomes among expats.
This is one of the key findings of Axa Global Healthcare’s World of Work series which highlights where organisations can focus their efforts to close the gap between how they support assignees, and the experience reported by people they send abroad.
The third edition in the series draws on insights from 689 HR decision-makers and 641 non-native assignees across 10 markets, examining what is needed for organisations to keep internationally mobile employees performing their best on assignment.
How benefits are structured was cited as one key area where responsiveness could be sharpened. One in five assignees were found to be still on a fixed-benefits package with no ability to adapt what they receive, and 45% said that benefits vary by seniority rather than need.
Benefit reviews
The frequency of benefit reviews was also highlighted as a key issue. Those reviewed every six months are linked with notably better wellbeing outcomes, with 88% of assignees in that group reporting positive wellbeing compared to 69% of those reviewed annually.
More could be done on mental health
Though the same opportunity for individual tailoring was evident in how assignees experience mental health support. Three in four described their employer’s policies as proactive and innovative – yet two-thirds still believed more could be done.
The research indicated a consistent disparity between what HR decision-makers said they provide and what assignees say they receive, with differences up to 21 percentage points in cases such as the availability of expat support groups and buddy systems.
Need for personalisation
The need for personalisation carries through to how support is delivered. For many assignees, virtual mental health provision works well, and 86% of HR decision-makers are planning to increase investment in this area over the next two years.
However, two-thirds of assignees still preferred in-person support, particularly those on long-term placements. This is significant given that 37% said hybrid working has contributed to feelings of loneliness and disconnection.
Paying a higher price
But the research also showed that those living apart from their loved ones pay a higher price in terms of their wellbeing. These assignees were 47% more likely to suffer with their mental health than those who relocate with their families.
Indeed, 46% of those polled said separation has strained their relationships, a 15% rise since 2020. A further 35% said their overall wellbeing has been affected, and 27% reported their physical health has worsened as a direct result of living away from family.
Lack of support for families
But only 38% of organisations were found to extend family wellbeing support to all assignees. There was also a 22% gap between what assignees expect in terms of family support and what they currently receive. And where support does exist, awareness remained low – more than half of HR decision-makers said they provide travel costs home and extended leave to see family, yet only two in five assignees know these options are available.
Keeping people brilliant
Sebastian Judez, head of proposition and medical at Axa Health International, said: “Keeping people brilliant on assignment does not happen by accident.
“It happens when employers treat that stage of the journey with the same strategic focus they bring to their many other commercial objectives.
“In return, organisations will see stronger retention, higher performance, and a greater return on the considerable investment that every international assignment now represents.”
