5 Benefits to Offer to Overseas Employees

In today’s business climate, more and more companies are expanding their operations overseas. This can present several challenges, not the least of which is how to keep your employees engaged and motivated when they’re half a world away from their homes and families. You want to make sure that your overseas employees feel like they’re part of the team, and that starts with offering them the same benefits as your domestic employees.

Here are five benefits you can offer your overseas employees to help them feel connected to the company and motivated to do their best work.

1. Communication allowance

Staying in touch with family and friends back home can be costly, so offer a monthly communication allowance to help offset the expense. This benefit will also encourage employees to stay in touch with company news and developments. You might even want to set up a company messaging app or social media group so employees can stay connected with each other.

When offering this benefit, be sure to consider time differences and make allowance for the fact that some employees may not be able to stay up late to call home. You might want to consider offering a stipend for phone calls rather than a set allowance. This way, employees can use the money when it’s most convenient.

2. Local Insurance

Because they’re not citizens, your overseas employees may not be eligible for local insurance plans. Make sure you offer them insurance coverage that meets their needs and gives them peace of mind. Consider their health and well-being and any insurance needs specific to their country of residence.

For example, overseas Filipino workers may be interested in an insurance plan that includes maternity coverage, which is typically covered by local insurance plans in the Philippines. You can also offer insurance plans that cover dependents in case your employees have family members living with them. With the right insurance plan, your employees can feel secure knowing that their loved ones are taken care of.

3. Remote working allowances

Working from home can be challenging, especially when you’re in a different time zone. Offer a monthly allowance to help employees cover the costs of setting up a comfortable and productive home office. Employees can also use this benefit to cover the costs of internet and phone service.

Be sure to set clear guidelines for how they can use this benefit. You don’t want employees using it for personal expenses or items unrelated to work. Some companies also offer a stipend for home office expenses instead of a set allowance. This way, employees can use the money when needed and don’t have to keep track of receipts. But be sure to set a limit, so employees don’t abuse the system.

4. Educational opportunities

Help employees further their careers by offering educational opportunities, such as reimbursement for tuition and books or membership in professional organizations. This benefit will improve employee morale and help retain talent within the company. Many organizations also offer mentorship programs to help employees transition into new roles.

When offering this benefit, be sure to consider the time commitment and whether the employee will be able to complete their studies while still meeting their job requirements. Going to school part-time or taking an online course may be a better option for some employees. Help them find a program that meets their needs and fits their schedule. If possible, offer flexible scheduling to help employees balance their studies with their work.

5. Travel allowances

Business travel can be expensive, so offering travel allowances helps employees offset the cost of airfare, lodging, and other travel-related expenses. This benefit will also make it easier for employees to attend company-sponsored events, such as conferences and training seminars. You will need to set clear guidelines for how this benefit can be used and what expenses are covered.

If you have employees who travel frequently, you might want to consider offering a frequent flyer program or discounts on rental cars and hotels. Employees can also use this benefit to cover the cost of passport and visa fees. Some companies also offer a stipend for travel expenses, which gives employees more flexibility in how they spend their money.

Offering these benefits to your overseas employees will show that you value their contributions and appreciate the challenges they face while working away from home. By investing in your employees’ well-being, you’ll create a more engaged and productive workforce that can better meet the demands of today’s global marketplace. Always consult with a benefits expert to ensure you’re offering the best possible coverage for your employees.