Over a quarter (26.4%) of overseas employees with wellbeing concerns say their ability to function at work has been severely or significantly compromised, according to data from Towergate Health & Protection.
Figures from one of Towergate’s global employee assistance programme (EAP) providers – which looks after over 6.5 million employees worldwide – revealed that:
- 54.5% of employees in Africa who contacted the service said their ability to function at work was severely or significantly compromised by wellbeing issues;
- 28.3% of employees in Europe said their ability to function at work was severely or significantly compromised;
- 25.8% of employees in the Asia Pacific region said work was severely or significantly affected by their wellbeing.
Sarah Dennis, head of international at Towergate Health & Protection, said: “Employers of staff overseas mustn’t underestimate how work can be impacted by employees’ health and wellbeing. These figures show that putting support in place is not just a nice-to-have; it’s fundamental for the business.”
According to the data, some of the most common issues that impede optimal productivity for overseas employees are relationships, stress and anxiety, and also money management, housing and legal concerns.
Dennis added: “While the data shows how detrimental poor wellbeing can be to a business, employers should take comfort from the fact that solutions are available to mitigate the impact, and we would encourage them to investigate such support which meets the specific needs that employees overseas face.”
