86% of expats report experiencing stress, but studies suggest they can also cope better with burnout.

Picking up your life and moving abroad to work abroad isn’t easy, but it can be very rewarding.

As someone who recently moved to Singapore from the United States, I will be the first to say that while the opportunity to do so is an honor, it also comes with its own unique challenges.

Being a 16-hour flight from your immediate family is tough, but the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in a new culture and the time to focus on yourself is priceless.

“Globally mobile – people living and working abroad – are an increasingly important element of the workforce in most markets”. Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study Released on April 2024.

“We also see a growing appetite for this lifestyle, with nearly a third (30%) of people who still live in their home country saying they are likely to live abroad,” according to the study.

The study surveyed more than 10,000 people, including more than 2,600 global mobile users in 12 markets: the United States, the United Kingdom, Spain, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Kenya, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, mainland China, Singapore and Hong Kong.

Globally mobile individuals show a higher than average life score — 71.7 out of a maximum score of 100 — compared to people living in the home market — 66.7.

are based on the biological scores used in this study. Evernorth Vitality IndexThat provides a measure of “people’s ability to live with health, strength and energy,” according to the report.

The survey asked questions to assess respondents’ physical, spiritual, emotional, environmental, social, occupational, financial and intellectual well-being.

Additionally, this group reported better mental health than their local counterparts (58% vs. 42% with excellent or very good mental health), according to the study.

“Globally mobile employees often have high levels of energy – a mental and physical sense of being healthy, capable, and energized – and a strong sense of meaning and purpose,” said Wendy Sherry, CEO of Global Health Benefit. According to International Health. Cigna Healthcare.

“Different aspects of our lives – including social, professional and financial – are all connected,” he added.

This is reflected in how this group is 10 percent more likely to feel they can form strong connections with others. Additionally, globally mobile people are more likely to be engaged, motivated and enthusiastic at work than local people, according to the report.

Despite being more lively, this group also experiences higher levels of stress (86%) and notably higher levels of burnout (96%) than natives.

“On the other hand, expatriates may experience social isolation, which can increase emotional difficulties, increase stress, and increase the likelihood of burnout,” Sherry said.

Additionally, this group is particularly susceptible to experiencing “detachment or isolation, self-doubt, and negative perspectives.” Notably, these sentiments are more pronounced in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.

“In Asia, stress levels are 89% in Singapore and 91% in Hong Kong. In the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, it reaches 90%, and in Kenya 94%. In contrast, in Europe, especially But in Spain and the Netherlands, stress levels are relatively low, at 79% and 67% respectively,” according to the study.

The biggest challenges faced by those living and working abroad are:

• Financial challenges (38%)
• Homesickness (23%)
• Difficulty maintaining work/life balance (18%)
• Health problems such as difficulty accessing health care (18%)
• Difficulty finding accommodation (17%)

Expats in Asia, particularly in Hong Kong (22%) and mainland China (24%), are more likely to experience work-related challenges. Hong Kong-based respondents (40%) also reported needing more support in local health care, compared to about 28% of respondents in other regions.

So why do globally mobile individuals score higher on vitality than their local counterparts, despite reporting higher stress and burnout levels?

The study suggested that this may be due, in part, to the group’s tendency to be adaptable and flexible.

According to the report, “Globally mobile employees emerge as a highly valued and resilient segment of the workforce. Despite facing unique stressors associated with their situation, they demonstrate distinct skills and high levels of motivation.” do, resulting in higher energy production,” according to the report.

Although this group exhibits greater resilience, the stress they face should not be overlooked.

“For expatriate professionals, work can serve as an important support system, a source of purpose, and a center for social connections. More isolated,” according to the study.

“A holistic approach is essential – employers must address work-life balance, facilitate social well-being, and provide support that goes beyond just the physical and mental dimensions of health.”