Globally Mobile Workforce Boasts Higher Vitality, But Stress Remains a Challenge

Related Stories: Moving overseas to work can be challenging but also rewarding. While it’s true that being 16 hours away from your closest family is daunting, the opportunity to immerse oneself completely in a new culture and focus on personal growth are priceless benefits of this lifestyle. A recent Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study found that globally mobile individuals – those living and working overseas – display higher vitality scores than people who still live in their home country, with nearly one-third (30%) saying they’re likely to move abroad themselves. The study surveyed over 10,000 people from across the world to gain a deeper insight into workforces operating on international soil and found that globally mobile individuals have higher vitality scores – a mental and physical feeling of being healthy, capable, and energetic – than their local counterparts (71.7 vs. 66.7). This group also reported better mental well-being compared to locals (58% vs. 42%) with excellent or very good levels of vitality. Wendy Sherry, CEO for Global Health Benefits at Cigna Healthcare International, explained that globally mobile employees often have higher levels of vitality and a strong sense of meaning and purpose due to the various facets of their lives – including social, occupational, and financial – being connected in some way. The study also found that this group is 10% more likely than locals to feel like they can build strong connections with others and are generally engaged, energized, and enthusiastic at work compared to local employees. However, despite having higher vitality scores, globally mobile individuals still experience high levels of stress (86%) – particularly those working in Asia such as Hong Kong and mainland China where 22% and 24%, respectively, encounter more work-related challenges than their counterparts elsewhere. The study also found that expats living in these regions are more prone to needing assistance navigating local healthcare systems compared with about a quarter of those residing outside Asia (around 28%). Although globally mobile individuals tend to exhibit greater levels of adaptability and resilience, the stress they face should not be overlooked. Sherry explained that for foreign professionals, work can serve as an essential support system providing them with purpose and social connections which may differ from local employees where professional boundaries are often more distinctly drawn than their counterparts living abroad. A comprehensive approach is therefore necessary to address issues related to work-life balance, facilitate social wellbeing, and provide healthcare that goes beyond just physical or mental health aspects alone, according to the report. Want extra income? Sign up for CNBC’s new online course How To Earn Passive Income Online today and save 50% with discount code EARLYBIRD!