More than half (59 per cent) of expatriate employees want employers to prioritize physical well-being when constructing or choosing health-care packages and benefits, according to a new survey by Aetna Inc.

The survey, which polled 1,000 expats from Germany, Mexico, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates, also found that those with children aged 16 and under favoured employers focusing on physical well-being more than those without — 65 per cent versus 55 per cent, respectively.

Read: Expats cite health, well-being as greater priority in pandemic: survey

Additionally, 83 per cent of survey respondents said they expect their employer to provide full health care for either themselves (39 per cent) or both themselves and their partner/family (44 per cent). And 87 per cent said employment benefits related to family health care were an important factor when considering a job opportunity abroad.

Mental-health support was also a key issue for expats. More than a third (41 per cent) said workplace health-care benefits should be focused toward supporting mental well-being, compared to only six per cent who said the same in 2016.

“Awareness of mental-health conditions and stigma has grown steadily over the past five years but reached new heights during the pandemic,” said a press release. “Not only have individuals placed more importance on their mental health, but there has also been a growing need for more open conversations in the workplace. Employers have been compelled to reconsider the benefits they offer their staff, aiming to better protect the health and well-being of a workforce coming to terms with a global crisis.”

Read: SAP Canada increasing virtual wellness offerings amid pandemic