Third of businesses fail to prioritise health and wellbeing for overseas employees – Everywhen

Nearly a third (32%) of businesses do not prioritise the health and wellbeing of their overseas employees, research from Everywhen found. 

Only 60% of employers said the safety of staff working abroad is a top priority. 

26% of employers worried employees would be unhappy and want to return home.

Sarah Dennis, head of international for Everywhen, said: “Health, safety and wellbeing – all areas that are also connected to the happiness of a workforce – should be the top priorities for supporting all employees, whether they are based in the UK or overseas. 

“However, it is arguably even more important to prioritise these areas for employees based abroad where there may be less readily available support and employees can be isolated. 

“With this in mind, employers may wish to review the support they offer to overseas staff and take a close look at what is required by each country and advised for fostering wellbeing.”

Research also found that 47% of employers put achieving business objectives as a top priority for overseas staff, while 41% put career progression as a top priority. 

More than a third of employers said they are concerned about the mental health and wellbeing of staff working overseas, while 35% worried about physical health and wellbeing and 34% about personal safety.