For expats, health and wellbeing matter as much as job prospects

THE life of expatriates in Singapore is usually seen as appealing, with the promise of international exposure and career growth prospects. However, even though pay packages in Singapore have remained among the most competitive in the region, a recent study reveals that many expats - also known as globally mobile individuals - see themselves as worse off than local residents in Singapore.

The 2017 Cigna 360 degree Wellbeing Survey examined the perceptions of globally mobile individuals living and working across 20 locations around the world on five aspects of their well-being: physical, financial, work health, family health and social health. In Asia, the survey covered these individuals in Singapore, Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Indonesia and Australia.

The research found that the globally mobile in Singapore have among the lowest perceptions of their wellbeing compared to their Asian counterparts - particularly when it comes to family, physical and financial well-being - scoring below average in all three categories.

BRIGHT SIDE AND CHALLENGES FOR EXPATS

The results reveal that work and quality of life represent the bright side for the globally mobile in Singapore. On a scale of 1-10 (1 being least satisfied and 10 completely satisfied), half of the Singapore respondents (49 per cent) rated satisfaction with their career prospects at 8 or above. Additionally, two-thirds (65 per cent) rated satisfaction with their working and living conditions in the local market at 8 or above, plus enjoy fulfilling work and positive relationships with co-workers. The research also showed that nearly half of respondents in Singapore and Asia rate their economic outlook at 8 or above.

However, despite this positive economic outlook, only a small number in Singapore believe they are in an excellent or good position to take care of their children's health (14 per cent) and education (17 per cent), which is among the lowest in Asia. The results also reveal they are worried about their parents - with only 15 per cent saying they are in an excellent or good position to take care of their parents' finances and only 11 per cent able to take care of their parents' health.

Globally mobile individuals often experience anxiety and, without exception, are all concerned about illness. Cancer (19 per cent), accidents (13 per cent) and heart disease (12 per cent) are among their biggest worries, followed by debilitating illnesses (9 per cent), such as Alzheimer's.

Respondents in Singapore also report having problems in the social aspects of their life. Chief concerns and problems include loneliness (15 per cent), job security (14 per cent), and boredom (12 per cent), followed by the ability to socialise outside of work (9 per cent).

HEALTHCARE PROTECTION A MAJOR CONCERN

Globally, more than half (53 per cent) of globally mobile individuals consider health insurance a very important factor when considering a move overseas. However, only 60 per cent have company health insurance, and 15 per cent have no health insurance at all. In Singapore, 80 per cent have health insurance and benefits through their company , and the rest have no benefits at all. This is significantly lower than their counterparts in Europe - 88 per cent of expats in France and 91 per cent in Germany have company health insurance.

Delving deeper into the results, around half of all globally mobile individuals surveyed would choose to return to their home country for treatment if they suffered a critical illness, with 13 per cent opting to remain in their country of work because their health benefits plan does not cover medical evacuation.

Traditionally, international companies highlight bright career prospects and tempting pay packages when attracting talent from around the world. This strategy might still work, but the health and wellbeing of employees also needs to feature. And this duty of care should not be limited to employees, but extend outside the office to include their families.

It's time for employers to take a hard look at the health benefits they offer. Globally mobile individuals are saying it loud and clear - personal and family health and wellbeing are as much a priority as job opportunities and salary.