Overseas posting tops expats' wish list

A majority of Mena-based respondents said they believed an international assignment was crucial for their career. - Bloomberg

International work experience is increasingly seen as essential to long-term career development, according to a global study of expatriates commissioned by Cigna Global Health Benefits and the National Foreign Trade Council, including nearly 500 expats in the Middle East and North Africa.
But more needs to be done to help foreign nationals adjust to the language, culture and customs of their new host country.
The 2015 Global Mobility Trends Survey interviewed more than 2,700 expatriates working in 156 countries to better understand how they and their families experience overseas assignments. The majority of respondents were male (81 per cent), middle-aged, have a family and are employed by US companies.
A majority of Mena-based respondents (84 per cent) said they believed an international assignment was essential for their career progression, and just over half (51 per cent) said they were willing to accept another international posting in the future.
Globally, professionals are increasingly working abroad out of choice rather than necessity, according to the survey. The number of expats who have served five or more international assignments has also increased markedly, from 18 per cent in 2013 to 25 per cent. Mena-based expats are even more mobile, with nearly a third (32 per cent) saying they have accepted five or more overseas postings.
"Working abroad is increasingly seen as an investment in one's career development, and employers need to adapt to meet the expectations of quality talent accordingly," said Howard Gough, Mena CEO of Cigna Global Health Benefits and CEO for Cigna's Global Individual Private Medical Insurance. When asked if the compensation and benefits offered by their employer were attractive, more than half of Mena-based expats agreed (54 per cent) and a third (33 per cent) strongly agreed. However, financial compensation isn't the only incentive. The adequacy of one's healthcare plan, financial support for schooling and leave entitlements were also rated "very important".
Quality of life, housing, security and the environment were also seen as "very important" factors.
- business@khaleejtimes.com