First and foremost, thank you to all who took the time to fill in our survey on expats during covid.
We really appreciate it and are happy to share some of the statistics, some highlights of the outcome, as well as the diversity in comments received.
Top findings:
- 50% did not experience increased concern about being far away from their home country
- 55% did not get any extra support, at all, from the company having expatriated them
- It is clear that a mental change towards working less is at the forefront of take aways from experiencing life as an expat during the pandemic
- Burnout, a drop in productivity, increased anxiety, and challenging the status quo are the top received comments
Aside from the stats and facts, above and below, it is clear from all the comments received that families were very concerned and anxious about being involuntarily separated, for an unknown period, whenever the working expat had to travel for work.
It is also standing out, that many have benefitted from taking a step back in the sense that it allowed for reflection on how everyday life is lead.
EXPAT ADVISING
Increased level of concern due to distance to home country?
- 25% : Were affected by their concern
- 25% : Were concerned but not affected by it
- 50% : Were not concerned or believe there to have been no difference regardless of living home or abroad
What people say…
“Far from my family, felt more alone”
“Extreme restrictions in both countries, very complex and expensive move, not being able to travel for work and home visits, fear of being forcefully hospitalised in Thailand”
“Able to adapt”
“Good at being on my own, used to finding solutions, used to missing particular foods and coping”
Respondee facts:
- 70% Female
- 30% Men
- 67,5% Have children
- 33,5% Have no children
Did you have any support from the company that expatriated you?
- 55% : I was left on my own. Things were the same.
- 35% : Yes / Yes, a lot
- 5% : I got an occasional call
- 5%: NA
What people say…
“None”
“I’m not the worker”
“Calls from HR, Group call for my husband. But no real understanding for the situation in China at that time”
“Offering of coach, therapist and/or phycologist, In the beginning they offered to move us back home if we wanted”
Respondee facts:
- 22,5% Under 40
- 62,5% Age 41-55
- 15% Above 55
- 50% In Asia
- 2,5% In America
- 20% In UAE
- 20% In Europe
Looking back would you have hurried home before borders closed?
- 70% : No
- 17,5% : Yes
- 7,5% : I don´t know
- 5%: NA
In your opinion was it an advantage to be an expat during Covid?
- 50% : No
- 17,5% : Yes
- 22,5% : I don´t know
- 10%: NA
What people say…
“My husband worked from home a lot and we saw each other more”
“Being together with family, getting time to do more exercise, reduced commute”
Respondee facts:
- 80% Married
- 10% Single
- 10% Divorced
- 10 % Introvert
- 17,5% Extrovert
- 70% Ambivert
- 2,5 % NA
In your opinion was life during covid worsened because of your expat way of life?
- 32,5% : Yes
- 31% : No
- 25% : Somewhat
- 5%: I don´t know
What people say…
“Higher salary than back home and not able to spend money, so higher savings”
“Increased fear, worry and concern for my family, Burnout, A drop in productivity”
“Increased fear and worry that I would lose my job, I saw it as a welcoming opportunity to challenge status quo, A drop in productivity”
“Increased fear, worry and concern for my family, Tiredness, Anxiety, I saw it as a welcoming opportunity to challenge status quo, Burnout, Increased fighting / arguing with my spouse caused by frustration, A drop in productivity”
Respondee facts:
- 40% 10+ Years
- 30% 6-10 Years
- 20% 3-5 Years
- 10% 1-2 Years
- 55 % Are working
- 35% Are the spouse
- 5% Are retired
Has your work / life changed post Covid, and if so, how?
- 32,5% : Yes
- 31% : No
- 25% : Somewhat
- 5%: I don´t know
What people say…
“I have seen my kids grow up, as opposed to being stuck at the office”
“Quit my job after returning to Denmark “
“Found a new and more exciting job in a new country, less social than I used to be”
“Trying to work less”
“More often able to work from home. People now expect you are available to 24/7 as pretty much everyone where during lockdown, so a lot more msg/video calls outside normal office hours”
“As a self-employed business owner of a company that was hit hard by closures, it has not been easy. Business has changed a lot today”
Respondee facts:
- 40% 10+ Years
- 30% 6-10 Years
- 20% 3-5 Years
- 10% 1-2 Years
- 55 % Are working
- 35% Are the spouse
- 5% Are retired
