How to avoid expatriate employee problems

Relocating overseas, either under your own volition, or to take up an assignment may leave you feeling overwhelmed and stressed, which can overshadow any thrill or excitement. Moving abroad will most likely be one of the most exciting experiences of your life, yet the unique set of challenges, such as immersing yourself and your family in a brand-new culture, meeting new people and tackling a new job are all high on the list of stress factors.

Global mobility is a double-edged sword for businesses, on one hand, a business can provide the opportunity to conquer new markets, safe in the knowledge that their best people have their hand on the tiller. Yet, overseas assignments come at a cost for both parties; the company often ends providing a package that could add up to around three times the renumeration the employee would receive at home, and the employee (and their family) will need to deal with considerable emotional stress.

Challenges of being an expat
The main cause of concern for globally mobile workers is the lack of a personal support network. Even those with the right characteristics of a successful expatriate can find that living and working on the other side of the world, a long way from family and friends, leads to stress and anxiety.

Potential for misunderstandings and offence due to lack of cultural awareness and the language barrier are just the beginning. Expats working in different cultures must also negotiate their way through a minefield of unwritten social rules, whilst trying to perform in a new job. There is also the added stress of finding suitable accommodation, trying to deliver results and adapting to their new surroundings.

This is particularly pertinent for those relocating with a trailing spouse and children. The family may experience feelings of isolation, particularly if they are finding it difficult making friends amongst the locals or in the expat community.

Challenges faced by expat managers
Understanding the unique challenges faced by globally mobile workers, is the first step to preventing assignments from failing. With such a big investment, it is vital that employers provide a support network to look after their expat employees.

The right way to manage expats
Employers need to manage the risks associated with expats working in different cultures. If left unchecked, these problems can have a devastating impact both physically and emotionally, making expats particularly susceptible to mental health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, which could have a negative effect on their performance. Worst case scenario can lead to a complete failure of the assignment and a ticket home.

This turn of events could seriously damage the company’s project and have devastating effects on the family, by dealing with another period of upheaval and a severe blow to the employee’s self-confidence. The fallout could also affect their position within the company in their home country.

One way to avoid this is to provide access to global wellness programs and comprehensive healthcare from the onset of the placement, so that the employee understands there is a support network available to the whole family.

Employee assistance programmes (EAP)
Stepping up to the plate to provide wellness and health services to overseas assignees is the most effective way to manage expatriate employee problems. The right support can help prevent expat anxiety and reduce stress, which is good for relationships at home and performance at work.

Looking after expat employees’ wellbeing by providing vital support is both time efficient and cost effective. Access to professional support can mean the difference between the success or failure of an overseas assignment.

If you’re an employer who would like more info about EAPs, check out this website www.atriumhr.com.