What Globally-Mobile Employees Really Want in 2024: Lessons in ‘Always-On Care’
MetLife’s 2024 Expat Employee Benefit Trends Study confirms a powerful truth: employers who show they care – consistently and across every stage of the expat journey – reap big rewards in retention, productivity, and engagement.
But as the definition of global mobility evolves, so too do employee expectations. Today’s globally-mobile employees want more than just coverage. They want clarity, continuity, and compassion – delivered not once a year, but all year round.
At One World Cover, we help employers turn these insights into real-world benefit strategies. Here’s what stood out in MetLife’s latest report – and what your organization can do next.
Global Mobility is Changing Fast
- 67% of companies report that their globally-mobile workforce has grown in the past three years, with 68% expecting further growth.
- But cost pressures, regulatory complexity, and geopolitical risks mean that employers are rethinking who they send abroad, for how long, and why.
Younger, More Solo, More Selective
- Gen Z and Millennials now make up 3 in 4 expats, often travelling without family, and preferring shorter-term assignments.
- These employees are ambitious but less likely to stay long-term. They demand flexibility, meaningful work, and emotional support — not just a relocation package.
OWC Insight: Health benefits must reflect this generational shift. Wellness, mental health access, and digital services are becoming must-haves, not nice-to-haves.
READ MORE >> Health Strategies That Work Across Generations: Insights from Allianz’s 2024 Global Study
Mental Health and Financial Stress Are Critical Gaps
- Top life moments for globally-mobile staff (like bereavement, caregiving, financial stress, or burnout) are under-supported.
- 88% of expats want better mental health resources.
- 72% say they don’t fully understand what benefits are available to them.
OWC Insight: We support our clients not just in plan design, but in comms, onboarding, and year-round engagement. Better promotion of existing services like EAPs and virtual therapy can dramatically improve perceived support – without increasing costs.
READ MORE >> How Telehealth and Virtual Care Can Reduce Health Insurance Costs and Boost Employee Wellbeing
The ROI of Showing You Care
According to the report, expat employees who feel cared for are:
- 2x more likely to feel happy
- 2.2x more likely to feel valued
- 1.8x more likely to feel committed to their employer’s goals
And that kind of engagement? It drives long-term retention and improved health plan utilization – meaning better outcomes for people and finance teams.
5 Takeaways for Employers from the MetLife Report
- Tailor your expat benefits to match real needs – not just your HQ’s assumptions.
- Educate your staff before, during, and after assignments with digital-first tools.
- Clarify how to use their health insurance plan – including finding providers, accessing mental health, and navigating local healthcare systems.
- Gather feedback after key life events and claims – then use it to adapt your approach.
- Invest in care during life’s difficult moments – not just onboarding and open enrollment.
This report is a timely reminder: great health insurance isn’t just about what’s covered – it’s about how it’s experienced.
At One World Cover, we specialize in supporting globally-mobile employers. Whether it’s health insurance plan design, renewal strategy, or year-round staff support, we help make “always-on care” a reality – without increasing your spend.
Ready to explore a smarter, more human approach to health benefits?
To learn more please get in touch: [email protected] or click here to contact us.
