Towergate Health & Protection released a study today that shows 60% of employers who employ overseas staff are concerned about their employees’ physical health.
Businesses with employees who work abroad prioritize physical health (60%) over mental health (58%), social health (51%), and financial health (52%), especially in light of remote-working. Towergate Health & Protection says that while physical health is a major concern, it’s important to support all other areas.
Sarah Dennis is the head of international for Towergate Health & Protection. She says: Employers are right to worry about their employees’ physical health, but overseas workers face specific challenges in all aspects of their health and well-being. Employers must be aware of the challenges that their overseas employees face, in order to know how best to support them.
The physical health challenges faced by employees working abroad
Some employees who work abroad still live the lifestyle of global mobile employees, which includes long hours of work, an active social life and a lack of attention to fitness and health.
Companies with employees in the UK are often better able to offer support, such as discounts on gym memberships or cycle-to work schemes. This is not always possible for companies with employees who are abroad. They need to find other ways to support their employees. Apps are available to help track and improve fitness. There are also programmes that help quit smoking and drinking alcohol. Tech can offer nutrition advice and help. Global employers should think about what their employees want and explore the possibilities.
Mental Health Challenges of Employees Abroad
Working abroad can put pressure on the mental health of those who are working there. Isolation, cultural and language barriers, as well as isolation, can be overwhelming. Mental health sufferers are still stigmatised and isolated in many countries.
It is vital to provide support. Employers should stress that the access to support is confidential. They must also encourage employees to use it, and regularly communicate what support they offer.
The social health challenges faced by employees working abroad
The hype surrounding working abroad often doesn’t match the reality. Employers can help by encouraging their employees to participate in the local culture and providing assistance to those who are struggling.
Financial Health Challenges of Employees Abroad
Even though employees are paid well overseas, it’s easy to overlook what happens when they can’t work due to illness. There are global solutions that can provide financial assistance in these situations. It’s important to make employers aware of the options available and how they differ from those available in the UK.
Sarah Dennis continues “Our research shows the physical health of workers is a major concern for employers who send people abroad or hire locals overseas. It is important that physical health support is robust but that all aspects of health and well-being are also considered.” There are many options to help an employee with their life abroad. Seeking professional advice is essential as there are so few.
The original version of this article 60% employers are most concerned about physical health, but they need to support all areas of health.
