Because of better economic opportunities overseas, many US firms are expanding abroad. In fact, some estimates show that companies have doubled the number of international assignees in recent years.
While moving abroad connotes images of adventure and intrigue, for many expatriates and their families, the process can be very stressful. According to the ORC Worldwide 2007 Expatriate Work-Life Balance Survey, more than half (55%) of today’s international assignees are weighed down by added stress cause by longer hours, extended work days/weeks and cultural differences, among other factors. And, two-thirds (65%) feel the strain of managing the demands of work and the well-being of family.
“Working and living in a foreign country is stressful because it encompasses a series of changes, each of which requires a great deal of patience, skill, and determination to handle,” says Isabelle Duguay of Bensinger, DuPont & Associates. “Problems that would appear to be routine at home, can seem insurmountable when overseas.”
The ORC Worldwide Survey found that expatriates identified the following top five stressors of moving and working abroad:
Many Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are uniquely positioned to make the move easier for international assignees and their families. By helping workers anticipate and address transition, cultural and adjustment issues up front, EAP counselors effectively minimize the challenges before they affect work and performance.
“Because our EAP counselors are mastered degreed clinicians, they understand the stress and other behavioral health issues associated with international assignments. They are trained to help employees and their families adjust to change and address any issues associated with change,” says Duguay. “The result? A great experience for the employees and their families, and a successful and productive assignment for the employers.”
Bensinger DuPont & Associates is a privately owned professional services company that is dedicated to promoting healthy outcomes for employees, the workplace, individual and their families through a wide range of consultation, training and counseling services.