Overseas workers need tailored support, employers warned

Nearly nine in 10 UK employers (87%) believe staff working overseas need additional support compared with UK-based employees, according to research from employee benefits specialist Everywhen.

Mental health and wellbeing was the most identified need, cited by 49% of employers with overseas staff. Financial health and wellbeing followed at 47%, physical health at 46%, and social health at 45%.

However, the research suggests many employers may not be tailoring their benefits to the needs of internationally mobile workers. Almost half (48%) provide the same health and wellbeing benefits to overseas employees as they do to UK-based staff.

For employers and their insurance partners, the findings highlight the importance of understanding local healthcare systems, regulations, and cultural differences when designing international employee protection.

“Employees overseas may have very different requirements to those based in the UK and therefore need very different benefits, and need support in accessing it,” said Sarah Dennis, Head of International at Everywhen. “The employer too will need support in understanding and meeting these needs.”

Access to healthcare can be particularly challenging in countries without NHS-equivalent provision or where non-citizens have limited access to state care. Mental health support may also need to be delivered discreetly in markets where discussing mental health remains taboo.

Everywhen said employers should avoid simply increasing benefits costs, instead assessing what support is locally required and what employees may already be entitled to.

Dennis said understanding how needs differ by country is key to making health and wellbeing support effective for both employees and businesses.