The last few years have been tricky to navigate for both businesses and employees. While companies across the globe have had to adapt to managing teams remotely, employees have had their entire lifestyles challenged - both inside and outside of work. And research shows that it has taken its toll.
According to the Cigna 360 Global Well-being Survey, expat stress levels have reached an all-time high, with 90% reporting that they feel stressed and 87% feeling trapped, helpless or defeated. While memories of the pandemic fade, its impact on employee mental health and well-being, particularly those who have spent long periods separated from family while working away, still lingers.
Now more than ever, it’s important for employers, travel managers and HR professionals to check in on their employees overseas and provide extra support for those experiencing post-pandemic stress and burnout.
A global survey by McKinsey found a persistent disconnection between how employees and employers perceive mental health and well-being in organizations. With such a high number of expats feeling stressed and defeated, it’s crucial for employers to check in on their employees on a regular basis - and more important than ever to show you’re on the same page.
The last few years have been exhausting for employees working overseas. While virtual offices and the disruption of routine have been something the entire workforce has had to adapt to, employees who have relocated have had to deal with travel restrictions, airport chaos, and in many cases, being away from loved ones for extended periods - all of which add to stress levels and loneliness.
The simple act of checking in with employees can make all the difference. Look for signs of exhaustion and burnout - including lack of focus, irritability, or unusual mistakes. If you sense an employee is running out of energy or not thinking rationally, it’s important to give them the space and resources they need to recharge and reset.
Burnt-out employees are 63% more likely to take a sick day, and burnout makes people 2.6 times more likely to leave their current employer. More and more workplaces are introducing rooms and comfort areas where stressed-out employees can take a break - whether it’s a 10-minute power nap, a run on the treadmill, or a quiet sit-down to declutter the mind.
Make sure your overseas offices have rooms where employees can decompress when feeling stressed or under pressure. For remote workers or those working from their employee accommodation, consider blocking out time in their calendar to allow them to do something that helps them relax, whether it be meditation or a breath of fresh air.
Simply allowing employees to have some space from work and giving them time to disconnect when things feel overwhelming can make all the difference.
A shocking 75% of people have experienced burnout at work. The key is to create an environment that feels supportive - even if the HR office is miles away or the team is geographically dispersed. This could be through access to an online therapist, vouchers to treat themselves to a meal in their local area, or even a discount code for their local spa to wind down and relax.
Encourage conversations. Let employees know that your (virtual) door is always open, should they want to discuss anything. With a solid 96% of people wanting a more empathetic approach to communication in the workplace, it’s important employees feel their employers are approachable and understanding. Why not create an ‘open door’ policy every Thursday, where employees can virtually pop in for a coffee and a chat?
Nearly a quarter (23%) of US workers don’t get any paid vacation time at all - but, the benefits of taking vacations are unparalleled for employees. In many cases, time off work to relax and unwind can lead to increased productivity and better concentration - and even a better sleep routine.
Where possible, encourage employees to take their vacation. While they certainly can’t be out of office all the time, it’s important to ensure employees take time out of the office too, particularly if you’ve noticed the early signs of burnout.
For employers across the globe, employee burnout is a big issue following the pandemic. To keep your team engaged, focused and - perhaps most importantly - happy and content in their roles, it’s crucial to create a supportive environment. Encourage employees to voice their concerns, check in regularly and look for signs of burnout.
Managing employees overseas? At 3Sixty, we have over one million employee accommodations in 60 countries - all of which are fully vetted and curated to meet the individual needs of a relocating or traveling employee. Visit our website to find out more about our marketplace.