Expats report high levels of stress, but can also cope higher with burnout

It's tough to select up your life and move abroad to work abroad, but it could possibly even be very rewarding.

As someone who recently moved to Singapore from the United States, I’m the primary to say that while the chance to accomplish that is a privilege, it also comes with its own unique set of challenges.

Being a 16-hour flight away out of your immediate family is daunting, but the prospect to completely immerse yourself in a brand new culture and have the time to give attention to yourself is priceless.

“Globally mobile people – people who live and work abroad – are an increasingly important part of the workforce in most markets,” says Das Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study published in April 2024.

“We are also seeing a growing interest in this lifestyle: almost a third (30%) of people still living in their home country say they are likely to live abroad,” the study says.

The study surveyed greater than 10,000 people, including greater than 2,600 globally mobile people in 12 markets: the US, UK, Spain, Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Kenya, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Mainland China, Singapore and Hong Kong.

People who’re mobile all over the world are inclined to have an above-average vitality rating – 71.7 out of a maximum of 100 – in comparison with individuals who live of their home market – 66.7.

The vitality values ​​utilized in this study are based on The Evernorth Vitality Indexwhich is a measure of “people’s ability to live lives of health, strength and energy,” the report says.

The survey asked inquiries to assess respondents' physical, mental, emotional, environmental, social, skilled, financial and mental well-being.

Additionally, this group reported higher mental well-being than their local counterparts (58% versus 42% with excellent or excellent mental well-being), in response to the study.

“Globally mobile employees often have higher levels of vitality – a mental and physical sense of health, performance and energy – and a strong sense of meaning and purpose,” said Wendy Sherry, CEO of Global Health Benefits, International Health, at Cigna Healthcare.

“The different aspects of our lives – including social, professional and financial – are all interconnected,” she added.

This is reflected on this group being 10% more prone to feel like they will construct strong connections with others. Additionally, globally mobile persons are more prone to be engaged, energetic and enthusiastic at work than locals, in response to the report.

Despite higher vitality, this group also suffers from high levels of stress (86%) and particularly often from burnout (96%) in comparison with locals.

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

In addition, in response to the study, this group is especially vulnerable to “feelings of detachment or loneliness, self-doubt and negative attitudes.” Notably, these feelings are more pronounced in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

“In Asia, stress levels are 89% in Singapore and 91% in Hong Kong. It reaches 90% in the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia and 94% in Kenya. Conversely, there is stress in Europe, especially in Spain and the Netherlands. The values ​​are comparatively low at 79% and 67%, respectively,” says the study.

Here are the most important challenges for those living and dealing abroad:

• Financial challenges (38%)
• Homesickness (23%)
• Difficulty maintaining work-life balance (18%)
• Health problems resembling difficulty accessing healthcare (18%)
• Difficulty finding accommodation (17%)

Expats in Asia, particularly Hong Kong (22%) and Mainland China (24%), are more vulnerable to work-related challenges. Hong Kong-based respondents (40%) also say they need more help navigating local healthcare, in comparison with about 28% of respondents in other regions.

Why do globally mobile people achieve higher vitality scores regardless that they report higher levels of stress and burnout in comparison with their local counterparts?

The study suggested this will likely be due partially to the group's tendency to be adaptable and resilient.

“Globally mobile employees are proving to be an extremely valuable and resilient segment of the workforce. “Although they face unique stressors inherent in their situation, they demonstrate strong skills and high levels of motivation, resulting in higher levels of vitality,” the report said.

Although this group tends to be more resilient, the stress they face shouldn’t be neglected.

“For foreign professionals, work can be all-encompassing, serving as a crucial support system, source of meaning and focus of social contact. This differs from the experience of local workers, where the boundaries between personal and professional life can be “more clear,” the study says.

“A comprehensive approach is essential – employers must address work-life balance, promote social wellbeing and provide support that goes beyond the purely physical and mental dimensions of health.”