Global Health and Wellness

As companies look further afield to promote growth and operational capability, each day's media headlines – whether on air pollution in China or the latest disease epidemic or superbug – present employers based in affected areas and those managing international assignments with fresh health and wellness challenges. Read more

No organisation today can afford to neglect its duty of care. To reduce health risks to individuals, and business and reputational risks to their employers, planning, preparation and up-to-date information are vital. Health and safety awareness should be included in international assignment preparation and intercultural training. Ensuring that international assignees, particularly those based in remote locations, are always connected is also key. This has been made easier by the advance of travel-tracking technology solutions, apps, and social media.

With contributions from experts, this section provides HR, global mobility professionals and relocating employees with the news, articles, and advice they need to keep up with the latest developments in health and wellness and stay abreast of medical and health alerts and advice, international private medical insurance (IPMI), wellness at work, family health and security management, and health-related technology. It also features insights from the latest global mobility surveys.

For detailed coverage of other specific global mobility topics, See also our International Assignments, Business Travel, Human Resources, Talent Management, Technology, Mobility Industry, Culture & Language, For Expatriates, and Partner & Family Support sections. For details of organisations in the global mobility industry that provide international assignment, relocation and health-related services, see our Directory. Stay informed by subscribing to our newsletters and other publications.

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Latest Health News & Features

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Emerging trends in international schools

CIPD CEO Peter Cheese at ACE24

CIPD 2024: unlocking growth and productivity

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Inner Wings is flying high

Does the Autumn Budget ‘fix the foundations’?

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Mental wellbeing in construction and engineering workplaces

The construction and engineering industry gathered to tackle mental health at work during October’s MAD World Construction Summit. The conversation reinforced the need for bottom-up as well as top-down approaches.
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Mini Factsheets

Introducing our new Mini Factsheet series, designed to help you incorporate global mobility into managing and supporting international teams and grow your people and organisation in new locations.
Jim Beestone, Henrietta Frater, David Bucksley, Stuart Young, Kari Sprostranova and Dr Carla Toro

Constructive conversations: safeguarding mental wellbeing across supply chains

October’s Make A Difference (MAD) World Construction Industry Summit in London highlighted the mental health crisis in construction today. It shared some of the solutions – including the development of a research-based, sector-wide approach – to improving wellbeing that already offer quick and cost-effective wins.

Rethinking DEI? Women, equity and work

The largest corporate study into women at work in corporate America urges employers to keep going on their inclusion initiatives – or jeopardise the last decade’s “fragile” gains. New academic research from Germany suggests how.

World Mental Health Day 2024: prioritising workplace mental health

The theme of this year's World Mental Health Day is 'prioritising mental health in the workplace'. This as the UK government chooses 10 October to unveil its long-awaited Employment Rights Bill, geared to securing greater flexibility and autonomy for employees.
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Wellbeing Washing? Removing the spin for healthier workplaces

The links between productivity, ‘good work’ and duty of care have heightened focus on mental, physical and financial wellbeing. But how much of employer initiatives is rhetoric? Can we do more to create truly healthy workplaces? Ruth Holmes reports.
Growing inner wings boosting childrens confidence

Growing inner wings: boosting children's confidence

The latest annual report from Inner Wings, the charitable foundation running free school programmes to build children’s resilience and self-belief, shows unprecedented demand for its services. In September, to help guide its growth, Inner Wings launched its new high-level advisory council, which is set to help the charity further heighten its impact.
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Inner Wings is flying

I was thrilled to attend the launch of the Inner Wings Advisory Council, which was held at the House of Lords and hosted by Baroness Mary Goudie with Melissa Di Donato Roos, who is the co-founder of Inner Wings and chair and CEO of Kyriba, a global fintech company. Melissa knows women in tech leadership are few and far between and is passionate about helping more women pursue STEM careers, writes Fiona Murchie.
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Financial anxiety impacts young women more than male counterparts, says global study

Younger women are more likely to feel anxious about their financial situation than men. According to a new study commissioned by nudge global, there is significant gender disparities when it comes to financial anxiety and financial optimism worldwide. Globally, 50% of women across all age groups experience financial anxiety, compared to 41% of men.
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Perilous perceptions: Why it’s time to double down on duty of care in corporate relocation

The world isn’t as safe as it once was, or, at least, that’s how most people feel today says Carrie Hartman, President at 3Sixty.
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Research shows inadequate health and wellbeing support for global employees

According to new research, companies are putting themselves – and their overseas employees – at risk by not offering the right health and wellbeing support. Sarah Dennis, head of international at Towergate Health & Protection, shares the latest findings from the independent adviser’s research and the pitfalls employers need to avoid.
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Turbocharging Performance masterclass lifts off

As a global community, we all have a laser-like focus on how to achieve business success through our people. People are at the heart of a business and this requires us to find, keep, upskill, and deploy people globally in the most effective ways possible.
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5 tips to help your child navigate a stressful exam season

It is no secret that, for some students, the exam season represents a stressful time. Antony Nesling and Beverley Bloem, Diploma Coordinator and High School Counsellor at ACS International School Cobham, have shared their advice on how you can help your child(ren) conquer exam season without being negatively impacted by stress.
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The True Cost of a Failed International Assignment: New Report Highlights Potential USD1.25 million Cost Per Assignee

International SOS, with the support of KPMG, releases important insights into the true costs of failed international assignments.
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The global mobility function: well-being, talent and inclusion implications

Recent research has focused on the widening and complex role of the global mobility function. Dr Sue Shortland reports on the implications for the relocation profession.
Panellists and chair at the Oxyzn Empower HER HR networ event March 2024

Reimagining empowerment: women, wellbeing and work

The wellbeing at work message is landing. From adopting flexible working practices for all to being mindful of mental health, good employers know that safeguarding employee wellbeing generates organisational wealth.
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Split family and fly-in, fly-out expatriation: Practical support

Research has consistently shown that employees undertaking non-traditional unaccompanied assignments still require support from their organisations. Dr Sue Shortland explains the importance of helping assignees and their families involved in single-status assignments.
Think Global People Think Women International Women's Day event

Think Global Women community celebrates International Women’s Day 2024

Relocate Global and the Think Global People community marked International Women’s Day in London at the Institute of Directors on Friday 8 March.
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Employers must provide equity of support to employees

As the theme of this year’s International Women’s Day is to ‘inspire inclusion’, Towergate Health & Protection is reminding employers of the importance of providing female employees with equal, adequate, and appropriate support. Three of Towergate Health & Protection’s inspirational women have provided their thoughts regarding changes needed relating to health and wellbeing support in the workplace.
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International Women’s Day 2024: inspiring inclusion

Ahead of International Women’s Day on Friday 8 March 2024 – the annual global event celebrating the achievements of women and a call to action to accelerate women's equality – we look at this this year’s key themes as we continue to ‘inspire inclusion’ and work towards a more equitable and inclusive workplace.
Laughing boy plays like airplane on father's shoulders. Dad and son looks on glass walls of buildings. Future and modern technologies, life balance and family life in well keeps districts.

New research highlights need for more human-centric mobility

A new study by Heather De Cruz-Cornaire into the state of global mobility post-pandemic for REA, a career and relocation coaching service company, concludes that human connection is critical for successful moves.
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Turbocharging performance: creating spaces to thrive

The pace of working life and speed of change makes it hard to focus on our most intractable challenges and build the skills and insights to address them. Yet investing time to refresh your perspective could make all the difference to your team, career and business.
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Gaps widen in latest workplace happiness index

A study of 300,000 people from Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, the US and UK provides a global outlook on the state of people’s working lives throughout 2023.
A Happy Caucasian woman holding a piece of paper with blue emoji, isolated on orange background. Blue Monday concept

‘Blue Monday’ opportunity to enhance support for employee wellbeing

The third Monday in January is often regarded as low point for mental wellbeing. Yet it is also an opportunity for employers to emphasise their commitment to employee health and humanise their workplace.
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Opening up about mental wellbeing at work

Creating positive mental-wellbeing cultures across borders is a fast-evolving and important conversation as more people report stress and burnout. Leaders including Dame Kelly Holmes led the dialogue this World Mental Health Day about what more employers can do to fulfil their duty of care.
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Inclusive wellbeing: managing menopause

The impact of menopause on all demographics, plus how to make small adjustments for better workplace support, are in policymakers’ sights. International employers described their approaches to supporting women’s health and the importance of inclusive wellbeing at the CIPD annual conference and exhibition.
Panellists at cipd ace 2023

CIPD ACE 2023: ‘A bolder future for the people profession’

The CIPD’s 76th annual conference and exhibition is underway in Manchester. Attracting thousands of HR, learning and development and people professionals, the event is a hub of knowledge-sharing of direct relevance to global mobility, international talent and DEI managers, and business leaders.
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Supporting international students’ wellbeing at university

Positive transitions-care for lifelong wellbeing is becoming widely understood in schools around the world. New research and practice, discussed at SPAN’s 2023 Global Symposium, shows how vital these links are for international university students, too.
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World Menopause Day 2023: managing wellbeing at work for women

This World Menopause Day (18 October) is a chance to learn more about how focused wellbeing strategies can better support one of the fastest growing employee-groups – women aged 45-54.
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How to support menopausal employees: HR guidance for a menopause-friendly workplace

As we celebrate World Menopause Day, it is essential to recognise the unique challenges women face during this life transition, especially in the workplace.

General Health & Wellbeing

Mental Health

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5 tips to help your child navigate a stressful exam season

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Cultivating a mindset of wellbeing and optimal performance

Opening-up-about-mental-wellbeing

Opening up about mental wellbeing at work

World Mental Health Day card green ribbon

World Mental Health Day 2023

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Supporting international students’ wellbeing at university

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World Mental Health Day 2023: SPAN Symposium shines light on student wellbeing

Supporting Neurodiversity

Supporting neurodiversity within your workforce is much more than just compliance – and the benefits are significant

Neurodiversity

Neurodiversity at Work: Professor Amanda Kirby

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Bridging the global disability divide

What your staff want you to know about remote working

What your staff want you to know about remote working

Business multiracial colleagues, discussing new project, generating new ideas, communicating via video conference with their business partners from different countries. Group cooperation by video call stock photo

Women professionals get hybrid working boost

How to manage your employer’s Duty of Care

How to manage your employer’s duty of care in a rapidly changing global environment

The drive for companies

The drive for companies to become more entrepreneurially focussed in the new world of work

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Four-day week trial hailed 'a major breakthrough'

Smiling businesswoman having video call while working from home office

Hybrid and mobile work 'boost satisfaction and inclusion'

Why Transition Matters ISKL Blog 3.23

Why Transition Matters

KIH blog January 2023

What to do if your child doesn’t want to go back to school

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Wellbeing initiatives: the role of mindfulness in international mobility

Relocate Global Schools and Education Fair banner with two female students

Lessons in Wellbeing

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Young expats struggling the most with mental health – is social media the cause?

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Wellbeing revolution: Over eight in ten businesses seeing increased employee demand for more work wellbeing benefits

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Increase in workplace absences and how to manage them?

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The cost of money worries

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Data shows what organisations can learn from leaders’ wellbeing to support other employees

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XpertHR benefits and allowances survey 2023

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‘Mental Health Washing’ on the rise

Stress and mental wellbeing are particularly relatable issues in the global mobility, business travel and relocation sphere.

Managing mental health and wellbeing in international organisations

Mental Health at Work Commitment

The Mental Health at Work Commitment

The British School in the Netherlands

Mental health in children

Two coworkers talking about mental health

Managers, how comfortable are you with discussing your employees’ mental health?

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Mental health warning signs employers need to look out for

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Nine in ten expats feel isolated

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Loneliness jeopardises one in four international assignments

Encouraging mental wellness in your expat workforce

Encouraging mental wellness in your expat workforce

International Private Medical Insurance

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Research shows inadequate health and wellbeing support for global employees

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Employers must provide equity of support to employees

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World Menopause Day 2023: managing wellbeing at work for women

Healthcare business graph data and growth, Doctor use calculator and calculate healthcare costs and analyzing medical report on tablet

Illness behind rise in economically inactive

Medical Insurance, Piggy Bank, Stethoscope, Coin Bank, Expense

Expats not immune from financial stress and wellbeing worries

Two surveys highlight the wellbeing challenges globally mobile people face on assignment. More bespoke health and wellbeing benefits better communicated to globally dispersed workforces could be the answer.
Colleagues meditating in the office

Employers need to reshape workplace wellbeing support

With burnout the new workplace pandemic, employee wellbeing is establishing itself firmly in responsible employers’ value propositions as a key aspect of recruitment, retention and engagement strategies.
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Employers warned of risks of expat home working

Employers in the UK have been warned of the implications that remote working by staff outside of the country might have on employee benefits and tax.
Two colleagues in conversation

We need better communication to make international assignments a success

Global assignees and expatriates are often unaware of the full range of benefits available to them, and also looking for benefits different to those on offer. HR and mobility managers are well placed to bridge this gap.
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The State of Health Insurance 2020-2021

Changes and trends shaping the global health insurance industry - plus regional changes and trends. Find out more in the latest report from Pacific Prime.
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Counting the cost of Covid-19 for future health benefits

A study by global employee benefits provider Mercer Marsh reports that coronavirus will have a lasting impact on the shape of employee health benefits provision and support for years to come.
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A Post-Brexit Checklist for Expats

For a long time now, travelling between Europe and the UK has been relatively pain-free. With Brexit on the horizon though, it’s time to start thinking about the various extra considerations that it may cause before travelling.
Medical insurance in France after Brexit

The end of EHIC? New private health plan for expats in France

International private medical insurance (IPMI) provider, APRIL International Care, has launched MyHealth France – a new policy designed to cover expats’ medical insurance needs before and after Brexit.
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Assignees to be hit with post-Brexit social security bill

National Insurance cost warnings for companies sending employees on international assignments to Poland, Hungary and Czech Republic. One accountant suggests costs could more than double.
Lady waits with travel bags in lounge

International Health Insurance

How can employers support staff in health terms while they are outside the UK? For an employer, the first decision will be whether the cover should be a travel insurance policy which includes a health benefit, or a private medical insurance plan tailored to the employee’s needs.
David Sapsted News in Brief - 2 August 2018

Weekly roundup

Today we cover the Brexit effect on the EMA and UK SMEs, a shocking 40% UK gender pay gap, and Thailand's place in the rankings of UK travel health insurance claims.
Social Security

French social security explained for foreign expats in France

Management Mobility Consulting takes a look at how the French social security regime works and how to go about being treated as an expatriate employee.

Coronavirus

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What will get us to the other side of this pandemic?

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How to help globally mobile employees cope with COVID-19

Illustration of a group of people in face masks illustrates an article about Coronavirus

The challenges of Coronavirus and how to protect your employees

Self-isolation and working from home: tips for a better workforce

Self-isolation and Coronavirus: How to manage a remote workforce

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The Nation’s Mental Health During Lockdown

A surprising one in four Britons report a positive improvement in mental health during lockdown. Why is this - and what is the situation with the rest of Great Britain?
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Post-Covid recovery, restructuring & reskilling: resetting the agenda

With the end of government pandemic support for employers and furlough schemes imminent, business representatives, professional bodies and consultancies are setting out how organisations can recover.
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Aon surveys show growing employer support before and during COVID-19 lockdowns

Kindness in the workplace: a new survey shows employer support before and during lockdown. How are companies responding to the crisis to help their employees?
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Wellbeing has plummeted during the Coronavirus lockdown

Workers around the globe are struggling with the lack of social interaction, according to a new survey by recruitment experts, Hays. What can employers do to help with the mental wellbeing of their employees?
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The Relocate Global Coronavirus (Covid-19) resource centre

The Relocate Global Coronavirus (COVID-19) resource centre - with articles designed to help employers and employees amidst this worldwide crisis and with links to trusted resources.
Research highlights the importance of dealing with employee stress and mental health.

Research highlights the importance of dealing with employee stress

New studies on employee well-being and mental health look at how businesses can create a happier workplace environment and why employees and employers need to work together to combat workplace stress.
Woman at desk with head in her hands, illustrating an article about welllness

Employers: working women are stressed and looking for wellness support

A recent Cigna survey reveals that working women feel more stressed than men and want gender-specific wellness programmes. How can employers make health more than just a box-ticking exercise?
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Global News

Farmers protest in London about changes to inheritance tax
UK farmers challenge Autumn Budget tax measures
Baku, Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks at the Climate Investment Funds roundtable as he attends COP29 in Azerbaijan. Picture by Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street
COP29: investment required to tackle climate change leaps
Source: Siemens Energy
UK green energy jobs boost
Donald Trump secures second presidency: what next for global trade?
Jeremiah-law-Vanessa-Ganguin-law
USA dominates new list of global universities that qualify graduates for UK’s High Potential Individual visa
CIPD CEO Peter Cheese at ACE24
CIPD 2024: unlocking growth and productivity
Does the Autumn Budget ‘fix the foundations’?

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