Early Family and Cultural Adaptation Support Drives International Assignment Success, AXA Global Healthcare Research Reveals
DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – New research from AXA Global Healthcare, released on April 8, 2026, underscores the critical role of family wellbeing, cultural adaptation, and social integration in determining the success of global assignments across ten international markets. This study, which builds on eight years of research, incorporates insights from 689 HR decision-makers and 641 non-native assignees, providing a comprehensive analysis of the factors influencing international assignment outcomes.
The findings indicate that family concerns (49%), cultural adjustment (47%), and social isolation (47%) are the primary reasons employees terminate their assignments prematurely. With the average cost of an international assignment having surged over 50% since 2017 to $79,636 annually, the necessity for proactive measures to address these issues is increasingly apparent to HR leaders.
The Importance of Family, Health, and Home
The research highlights a significant demand for early support that extends beyond the logistical and legal aspects of relocating abroad. Only 20% of respondents indicated that their families received assistance with relocation services during their current assignments, while 33% expressed expectations for such support in future placements.
Moreover, there is a notable disparity in health-related assurances. Current support aligns with expectations for local health insurance; however, there exists a seven-point gap between the global health insurance currently offered (32%) and the anticipated support for future assignments (39%). This trend aligns with broader mobility patterns, as 73% of HR decision-makers anticipate an increase in digital nomadism within their workforce over the next five years.
Ellen Hughes, Chief People Officer at AXA Health Business, emphasized the need for organizations to reassess their preparation strategies. She stated that mobility strategies should focus not only on business outcomes but also on adequately preparing individuals and their families for the transition.
Assignment Success Requires Adaptive Support
The research reveals that one in three assignments that end prematurely do so due to difficulties in adapting to local culture, a consistent trend over the past eight years. The demand for cultural preparation has surged by 24% since AXA Global Healthcare’s previous report in 2020, indicating that assignees are increasingly recognizing the importance of thorough planning.
Support for language training was found to be 12.5% below expectations, while cultural adaptation support lagged even further, falling nearly 20% short. This suggests that effective preparation, including language acquisition and cultural acclimatization, is essential for enhancing the chances of success for assignees.
Social Isolation: Creating the Conditions for Connection
More than half (54%) of assignees reported that their mental health was challenged within the first three months of their assignment, a period marked by unfamiliarity. Those who are not adequately prepared are particularly vulnerable during this time.
The research suggests various methods to mitigate isolation, including expat forums (27%) and support groups (23%), which are highly valued by assignees. Encouraging discussions about psychological readiness for lifestyle changes and establishing workplace connections through buddy and mentoring systems can also help create a supportive social environment for employees on assignment.
Sean Dubberke, Chief Learning Officer at professional training firm RW3, noted that employees often misinterpret relocation due to initial excitement. This enthusiasm can delay essential preparations for the practical and psychological challenges of adapting to a new cultural setting. Personal preparation involves maintaining connections with home, identifying ways to forge new relationships, and understanding the shifts in daily social life.
Closing the Awareness Gap
The study reveals a significant disconnect between the support employers provide and the recognition of that support by assignees. Only 19% of assignees reported access to language preparation, compared to 36% of HR leaders who claim to offer it. Similarly, 17% of assignees noted cultural preparation support, while 34% of HR leaders affirmed its availability. This discrepancy extends to mentoring and buddy systems (28% vs. 46%) and expatriate support groups (24% vs. 45%).
The issue lies not in the availability of resources but in communication. While support addressing family, cultural, and social challenges exists, it often fails to reach those who need it most. Bridging this gap requires clearer communication from employers and active engagement from assignees.
The Evolution of Global Mobility
Short-term assignments are projected to increase by 69% in the next five years, with expectations that their duration will shorten further due to the rise of digital nomadism. As assignment models evolve, the risks of cultural disconnection, family strain, and social isolation will not diminish; rather, they will become more pronounced as preparation windows shrink.
For HR decision-makers, two priorities emerge: maintaining a focus on family, cultural, and social support as these factors become increasingly linked to successful outcomes, and addressing the awareness gap through consistent communication and shared accountability.
AXA Global Healthcare’s research indicates that to achieve optimal outcomes, businesses must develop mobility strategies that acknowledge the comprehensive experience of relocation. Individuals, in turn, must actively engage with the support available to them. Strengthening preparation at all levels can create an environment where mobility fulfills its promise of growth for organizations and meaningful opportunities for individuals.
Source: www.zawya.com
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Published on 2026-04-08 09:01:00 • By the Editorial Desk
