The greatest health and wellbeing concern of 60% of employers with overseas staff is regarding their physical health, according to research released today by Towergate Health & Protection.

Businesses with employees working abroad put concerns about physical health (60%) above mental health (58%), financial health (52%) and social health (51%), particularly in light of remote working. Although physical health is the main concern, all areas need to be supported.*

Sarah Dennis, head of international at Towergate Health & Protection, says: “Employers are right to be concerned about the physical health of their overseas employees, but those working overseas face very specific challenges on all areas of their health and wellbeing. It’s vital that employers understand what the specific challenges are, so they know how to provide support across all areas.”

Physical health challenges of employees abroad

The lifestyle of globally mobile employees is still very much in existence for some working abroad, with a culture of long working hours, a heavy social life, and little attention paid to health and fitness, and this can take its toll.

Companies with employees in the UK can often more easily roll out support such as discounted gym memberships and cycle-to-work schemes. For those with employees abroad, this isn’t always so easy, so they need to look at other options to provide support. Apps can help monitor and improve fitness, alcohol- and smoking-cessation programmes are available, and tech can provide help and advice for nutrition. It’s important for global employers to think creatively about the specific kind of support that their employees need, and investigate the options available to fulfil it.

Mental health challenges of employees abroad

The pressures on those working abroad can be detrimental to mental wellbeing. Isolation, language barriers and cultural barriers can be overwhelming, and suffering with mental health is still very much stigmatised in some countries which can be a big barrier in accessing support.

For these reasons, it’s vital that support is provided. Employers must emphasise that accessing support is confidential, utilising it must be encouraged, and the support available must be regularly communicated.

Social health challenges of employees abroad

Many employees decide to work abroad for the social lifestyle, and then find that the hype doesn’t live up to the expectation. Employers can address this by encouraging employees to get involved in local life, as well as providing support for those struggling – with access to experts that have worked abroad and understand their specific challenges.

Financial health challenges of employees abroad

While employees overseas are often well paid, one aspect that can be overlooked is what happens if they’re unable to work because of ill-health. Global solutions are available that provide financial support in such instances, and it’s important for employers to be aware of what’s available, as well as how such solutions can differ from the UK.

Sarah Dennis continues: “Our research shows that the physical health of employees is clearly a major consideration for employers sending people abroad or employing local nationals overseas, and it is vital that support for physical health is robust, but also that all areas of health and wellbeing are considered. Seeking expert advice is crucial as there are so many different options available to support all areas of an employee’s life abroad – and holistic support can make the difference between an assignment being a success or a failure.”

*Towergate Health & Protection