Expats report high stress, but they may also cope better with burnout

Being a 16-hour flight away from your closest family is tough, but having the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new culture and having time to focus on yourself is invaluable.

“Globally mobile people – individuals who live and work abroad – have become an important component of the workforce in most markets,” the paper said. Cigna Healthcare Vitality Survey Released in April 2024.

“We also found that desire for this lifestyle is increasing, with almost a third (30%) of those still living in their home country saying they are likely to live abroad.” The results state.

The study included more than 2,600 mobile individuals around the world in 12 markets: the United States, United Kingdom, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Mainland China, Singapore, and Hong Kong. More than 10,000 people were surveyed.

Globally mobile individuals tend to have higher than average vitality scores (71.7 out of 100), compared to 66.7 for those living in domestic markets.

The vitality scores used in this study are based on: evernorth vitality indexAccording to the report, this provides a measure of “people’s ability to pursue life with health, strength and energy.”

The survey asked questions to measure respondents’ physical, mental, emotional, environmental, social, occupational, financial, and intellectual well-being.

Additionally, the study found that this group reported better mental health than the local group (58% vs. 42% good or very good mental health).

“Globally mobile employees often have a higher level of vitality – a mindset of being healthy, capable and energetic,” said Wendy Shelley, CEO of Global Health Benefits, Global Health. They have physical and physical senses and a strong sense of meaning and purpose.” Cigna Healthcare.

“The different aspects of our lives – social, occupational, economic, etc. – are all connected,” she added.

This is evidenced by the fact that this group is 10% more likely to feel able to form strong connections with other people. Additionally, the report shows that mobile people around the world are more likely to be active, energetic, and engaged at work than their local counterparts.

Despite having more energy than locals, this group experiences high levels of stress (86%) and especially high levels of burnout (96%).

“On the other hand, expats may experience social isolation, which can exacerbate emotional difficulties, exacerbate stress and increase the likelihood of burnout,” Sherry said. says.

Additionally, this group is particularly likely to experience “feelings of alienation, loneliness, self-doubt, and negative outlooks.” In particular, these sentiments are more pronounced in Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.

“In Asia, stress levels are 89% in Singapore and 91% in Hong Kong. In the UAE and Saudi Arabia, stress levels are 90% and in Kenya, 94%. Conversely, in Europe, especially Spain and the Netherlands, stress levels are “The levels are relatively low at 79% and 67%, respectively,” the study says.

The biggest challenges faced by people living and working abroad are:

• Financial issues (38%)
• Homesick (23%)
• Difficulty maintaining work-life balance (18%)
• Health issues such as difficulty accessing medical care (18%)
• Difficulty finding housing (17%)

Expats in Asia, particularly Hong Kong (22%) and mainland China (24%), are more likely to encounter work-related challenges. Respondents based in Hong Kong (40%) reported needing more assistance in accessing local healthcare compared to approximately 28% of respondents in other regions.

So why do people who move around the world score higher on vitality, even though they report higher levels of stress and burnout compared to locals?

This study suggests that this may be partially due to this group’s tendency to be more adaptable and resilient.

According to the report, “Globally mobile employees are emerging as a highly valued and resilient segment of the workforce. They are exposed to the unique stressors associated with their circumstances. “Despite the challenges they are facing, they have shown unique skills and high levels of motivation, resulting in greater energy.”

Although this group tends to show more resilience, the stress they face should not be ignored.

“For foreign professionals, work is all-encompassing, serving as an important support system, source of purpose, and center of social connection. “The experience is different and clearer,” the study said.

“A holistic approach is essential. Employers must address work-life balance, promote social wellbeing and provide support beyond just the physical and mental aspects of health.”

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