Expatriates in Focus: Well-Being Management as a Success Factor in Global Mobility Management

? How can we sustainably enhance the well-being of expatriates?

Today, Prof. Dr. Maike Andresen delivered a presentation on expatriate well-being at the annual Global Mobility Conference. Together with practitioners who work daily in global mobility management, the spotlight was on one key topic: the well-being of expatriates.

? Expatriates are often described as a vulnerable group, frequently affected by psychological issues, stress, and illness, which can significantly diminish their well-being.

The primary reasons for this include:

• Lack of knowledge about local customs
• Acculturation stress and the absence of a local support network
• Psychological strain caused by isolation, stress, and adjustment challenges

? The more stressors or vulnerabilities they face, the more likely they are to resort to destructive coping mechanisms, such as:

• Insomnia or aggressiveness
• Substance abuse, including increased alcohol or drug consumption
• Signs of moral relativism (e.g., excessive consumption of pornography, extramarital affairs)
• Domestic violence

? As a result, their overall well-being decreases. Identifying and addressing the factors that undermine well-being is critical.

? Prof. Dr. Andresen highlighted the following key aspects:

• Positive and negative factors influencing the general and work-related well-being of expatriates
• Work-related and external factors that impact expatriates' well-being
• Approaches for global mobility management to actively foster expatriate well-being

If you're interested, we’d be happy to share the handout.