How Employers Can Use This Global Moment to Build Stronger, Healthier Teams
May 2025 marks two significant global mental health events:
- UK Mental Health Awareness Week: 13–19 May 2025, led by the Mental Health Foundation
- European Mental Health Week: 20–26 May 2025, coordinated by Mental Health Europe
Both campaigns put the spotlight on a theme that resonates deeply with globally mobile professionals: Community and Belonging.
For employers of expatriate teams these campaigns offer timely reminders that mental wellbeing isn’t just about access to therapy or medication. It’s about how connected, safe, and supported your employees feel in their working and living environment.
Why This Matters for Expat Employers
Expat life is often described as exciting and privileged – but beneath the surface, many expat employees experience isolation, identity loss, and heightened stress. Studies have shown that expats are:
- More likely to experience anxiety and depression than local hires
- Less likely to seek support due to cultural stigma or lack of local resources
- Heavily impacted by disconnection from extended family and social networks
That’s why this year’s UK Mental Health Awareness Week theme – Community – is especially relevant.
READ MORE >> Why Expats Are Struggling with Mental Health — and What Employers Can Do About It
Three Practical Actions for Employers
Build Peer Connection and Mental Health Literacy
Host a virtual “lunch and learn” during the week to explore the science of connection and mental wellbeing. Use materials from the Mental Health Foundation or Mental Health Europe, or invite a counselor to run a short session.
Tip: Highlight how mental health challenges are normal – even common – in the expat experience. This helps reduce stigma and encourages open conversation.
Audit the Accessibility of Mental Health Benefits
Globally mobile employees often face complex healthcare landscapes. Now is a great time to:
- Check if your insurer provides virtual counseling sessions across time zones and languages
- Promote access to telehealth and EAP services your team may not be using
- Work with your broker to assess if the plan includes global mental health support, not just in-country coverage
If your current plan lacks these, ask your broker (or One World Cover) about virtual-first solutions that plug coverage gaps, particularly in Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
READ MORE >> Expat Employers Are Rethinking How They Fund Mental Health Benefits
Make Community Part of Your Benefits Strategy
Loneliness is one of the strongest predictors of poor mental health. Employers can help expat teams thrive by:
- Supporting employee-led social groups or cultural clubs
- Offering a relocation buddy system for new hires
- Hosting informal community-building events around shared values (such as volunteering or wellness)
Don’t Forget the Family
Mental health resources are often focused on employees – but for expat families, the spouse and children are also at risk. Providing access to family counseling or ensuring your plan includes mental health coverage for dependents can make a huge difference in retention and satisfaction.
Taking the Next Step as an Expat Employer
At One World Cover, we specialize in helping international employers build world-class health insurance programs that support both physical and mental wellbeing. We believe mental health benefits should be accessible, global, and stigma-free.
If you’re reviewing your employee health insurance plan or unsure whether your current mental health coverage meets the needs of a globally mobile workforce, we’d be happy to help.
To learn more please get in touch: [email protected] or click here to contact us.
