Over two thirds of globally mobile individuals (72 per cent) are unhappy with the amount of time available to spend with family, whilst almost a quarter of those (24per cent) who are single or living alone suffer from loneliness, new study reveals*.
The Cigna 360° Wellbeing Survey – Globally Mobile Individuals found that people working overseas worry more about their own and their families’ health and wellness than those who reside in their home country. Over three quarters (76 per cent) reported they cannot adequately take care of their children’s various needs and wellbeing, whilst worries about their dependents’ education is intensified by the lack of a family support network.Less than half (42 per cent) felt their employer offered adequate “duty of care” to them, with 40 per cent not in receipt of any medical benefits by their company. All globally mobile individuals (100 per cent) subsequently worried about illness, with cancer and the fear of accidents the main triggers, followed by mental illness, including depression.
Phil Austin, CEO Cigna Europe, said,
Whilst working overseas has its benefits, the reality of life in a new country can be an emotional upheaval. Working practices are different, not to mention the cultural, lifestyle and language changes, which can make coping with life’s challenges more difficult. Our findings show a deep insecurity about family health and wellbeing, coupled with social isolation and increasing loneliness, which is exacerbated by the loss of a support network. It’s imperative that employers pay attention to the needs of their globally mobile employees.
Interested in employee wellbeing? Join our Workplace Wellbeing and Stress Forum 2019
