Survey reveals that expat assignments are a big interest for employees

Most companies are looking at anything they can do to put themselves at an advantage for attracting and retaining key talent. So, what engages people? What can a company do to attract the best and brightest? 

In MetLife's 17th Annual US Employee Benefit Trends Study, there is a lot to chew on as it relates to how employers can attract, engage and retain the best talent by helping employees thrive in work and life. But one of the most important stats I saw was that 67% of American employees are interested in taking an expatriate assignment through their employer—stints lasting three months or more in another country—indicating that American workers have a strong desire to travel abroad for work. 71% of Gen X'ers and 75% of millennials are highly interested in experiencing an expat assignment with only 12% and 19%, respectively having actually had the chance. When asked what would motivate them to take an expat assignment, both groups indicated working abroad appeals to their desire for trying new things and a sense of adventure.

Bad news for employees, but good news for employers? The report also shared that just 15% of respondents said that they have taken an expat assignment and 24% were unsure whether their employer even offers them. The point? Employees are not finding expat opportunities or are unaware of how to take advantage of them.

Savvy employers are partnering with their relocation management companies and recruiters to consider how to leverage relocation and international assignment programs (rotational assignments, job shares, short-term developmental, etc.) to appeal to workers. As more employees look at the benefits outside of salary, companies are working to use this desire of employees to secure the best candidates (internally and externally). One particular point called out was that higher-income employees, or those with over $100,000 in household income, not only express greater interest in expat assignments but also place more stress on professional development as a motivator to take on an expat assignment than their counterparts. 

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