90% expats report professional success but increased stress

Reportedly, 90 per cent of expats in the Middle East and Africa region have faced at least one challenge, including financial difficulties, struggles with work-life balance, lack of employer support, homesickness, and health issues, according to a report by Cigna Healthcare.

The report, titled 'Cigna Healthcare Vitality Study,' covered various aspects affecting the migrant population globally, including the Middle East and Africa region. Additional findings from the study concerning the Middle East region revealed that:

• While expats in the Middle East express satisfaction with relocating to the region, approximately 90 per cent of those in the MEA region encounter more challenges compared to counterparts in other regions, which stands at 77 per cent. Key issues include homesickness and lack of employer support, in addition to financial difficulties, the rising cost of living, struggles with work-life balance, and health problems. However, they also report experiencing improved health after moving to the region, attributed to robust personal support systems.

• When it comes to the stress index, 90 per cent of workers in the UAE and KSA report experiencing increasing stress due to unique challenges, including burnout, detachment from work, loneliness, and negativity. Expats in other regions report similar feelings, albeit slightly less. Additionally, the workers reported feeling 'tied to work,' with 30 per cent regularly working overtime. Therefore, requiring support in reassessing and balancing their work-life priorities.

• About 90 per cent of the surveyed workers in the UAE and 86 per cent of workers in KSA reported high satisfaction with their relocation decision. They are content with their current financial situation, which enables them to support themselves and meet challenges such as healthcare. Globally, the satisfaction and happiness related to their relocation decision is nearly 50 per cent lower than in the MEA region.
• Only 69 per cent of expats feel supported by their employers, and 59 per cent of them report that productivity is prioritised over their mental well-being.

The role of employers in sustaining the overall well-being of their employees, including work-life balance, stress management, and job satisfaction, is crucial, as expats increasingly seek personal development, source of purpose, support system, social circle, and fulfilment at work. Offering effective well-being programs, including private health insurance, flexible time-off, work arrangements, and mental health support, should be among the priorities for employers today.