Are your expats OK?

Thursday 12 September is RUOK day in Australia.  It's a day we are encouraged to have conversations both at home in the workplace - real, menaingful caring conversations with others who might be going through tough times.  

I blogged about this last year in light of US based research that 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.

As I said last year...

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 in light of RUOK day 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?"