As we emerge from COVID-19 the opportunity to take a proactive, improved approach to the wellbeing of international assignees has never been more important.
Chris Hebb
Quality healthcare has always been a key consideration for international assignees and their families. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic began, health has taken on a new significance for the globally mobile. Managing confinement on location and maintaining physical and mental wellbeing, has presented specific challenges for international assignees and their dependants.
Consequently, employees on assignment are looking to their employers for greater support with safeguarding their security and health. So how can organisations address these concerns, and best support globally mobile employees in the ‘new normal’ at a time when international assignments are restarting?
Assignees must be kept updated regarding regional and in-country guidelines on health, travel restrictions and corporate policy changes. Frequent communications from people managers, to check-in on employees, and assess their situation is paramount.
In the absence of a vaccine, fears of further waves of COVID-19 transmission and a re-emergence of the virus are a concern. If something goes wrong on assignment, employees must feel assured their medical needs will be met and appropriate support provided. An International Health Insurance plan, including comprehensive cover for pandemics, is essential. Organisations must be confident that their health partner has a truly global reach, and can provide tailored medical evacuation and repatriation when necessary.
Assignees and their dependants do not have the social support structures in place which they are accustomed to in their home country, increasing levels of stress and anxiety during the pandemic. Employers must ensure their corporate health solutions include robust mental health cover to address this.
Employee Assistance Programmes (EAP) provide support to employees and their dependants coping with uncertainty and strain brought on by COVID-19 confinement. Allianz Care provide an EAP which helps support employees with a range of emotional, social, and financial challenges, enabling employees take positive steps to improve their physical and mental well-being. The EAP is accessed via an app where employees and their dependants can speak to an EAP advisor in confidence with just one tap, anytime, anywhere.
The need for digital support tools for employee wellbeing has been evident during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having a healthy workforce is a priority for most organisations. To support employers, Allianz Care has launched Olive, a proactive care engine, which gives employees access to a range of services and tools designed to guide them towards a healthier life.
At Allianz Care, we understand the needs of employees and their families, when accessing healthcare overseas. We’ve designed an international healthcare solution for employers with staff living and working outside of Canada, with comprehensive cover for pandemics. This solution combines health, life, and disability, and was created to ensure that Canadian employers can offer the best access to medical care around the globe. Learn more
Chris Hebb Chief Agent for Canada at Allianz Partners
email Chris: chris.hebb@allianz.com
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