R your expats OK?

As I write this Australia is recognising World Suicide Prevention Day with events and campaigns calling our attention to one of the world's largest causes of premature and unnecessary death.

Later this week many Australian organisations will hold RUOK? Day. This day aims to inspire everyone to regularly ask each other "Are you OK?" In asking with care and concern it is hoped that the feeling of isolation that is often a factor in suicides will be prevented and people will connect and support each other.

Isolation is often felt intensely by expats. Their experiences of transitioning between workplaces, cultures, and social groups requires them to quickly establish connections or risk feeling isolated. It's a skill that some have mastered in expatriation but find difficult on repatriation or sometimes when they move on to another posting in a different culture and community.

It is little surprise that US based research earlier this year found that expatriates 'faced a higher risk of mental health problems including internalising and externalising problems, and substance use disorders'. US expats were found to be three times more likely to feel trapped and depressed than workers at home, and two times more likely to express feelings of anxiety.

What can we do about it?

In preparing expatriates for a posting overseas, training sessions need to focus not just on knowledge of cultural differences but also on resilience and stress management. On-going coaching for employees and partners can provide an opportunity for connection as well as accountability and encouragement. On-line resources such as those provided in cicollective.com can provide reminders to expatriates about the strategies that will help them to manage stress. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) that are familiar with the issues of expatriation and repatriation can assist employees and their families with confidential counseling.

And on this Thursday all global mobility professionals can take the opportunity to connect with some of those expatriates they may have concern about and ask them –not just in a one-line group email, but in a way that really connects and cares; "How are you going out there? Are you and your family OK?"