Moving to another country, whether temporarily for an international assignment or for the long term, introduces a range of stressors, particularly when it involves adapting to a significantly different culture, relocating family, or changing roles and responsibilities in a job. Internationals often underestimate these stress factors, which can contribute to higher stress levels and increase the risk of burnout during cross-cultural adjustments, which can take up to two years.
The Importance of Cultural Integration
Most expats, especially those who move abroad for a set time of 1-2 years, make little effort to integrate or learn the local language. This can easily result in loneliness and social isolation, especially when expat friends move away, or one is left alone without speaking the language and understanding the local culture.
On the other hand, research shows that expatriates who focus on integrating into the local culture face lower levels of stress and burnout. Successful cultural adaptation not only helps ease daily interactions but also helps build a supportive social network in the new country.
What Studies Suggest About Cultural Integration and Burnout
Cultural Integration and Burnout: Expatriates who adopt strategies of cultural integration or assimilation experience lower levels of burnout compared to those who choose to separate from or marginalize themselves in the host culture. Simply hanging out with expats or with people from the home country is not a good idea.
Honest Communication with Family and Friends Back Home: Maintaining open communication with support networks in the home country also plays a crucial role in managing stress levels and reducing burnout. People often tend to withhold their true feelings about living abroad, giving the impression of a smooth transition and a dream come true experience.
Work-Life Balance: A Predictor of Burnout Among Expatriates
Work-life imbalance is a significant predictor of burnout among expatriates. Successful cultural adjustment is closely linked to improved work-life balance, which in turn enhances overall well-being and reduces burnout. Companies that foster a supportive work environment and offer flexible work policies can significantly help expatriates manage their stress levels.
The Role of Organizational Support in Cultural Integration
Organizations play a vital role in supporting expatriates through their international assignments. Effective support includes providing cultural training, flexible working conditions, and resources to help expatriates adjust more smoothly to their new environments. Expatriates who perceive high levels of organizational support are better equipped to balance their work and personal lives, leading to reduced burnout.
What Can We Learn from These Findings?
Balancing integration into the local culture and maintaining a support network with family and friends is key. Focusing solely on one of these can lead to burnout.
Participating in the local culture eases adaptation, increases a sense of belonging, and reduces stress.
Without honesty and open communication about expat life with others, the right support is not possible.
Focusing on work-life balance amid both the exciting and demanding life abroad is a crucial factor. It can come in several ways, such as building a routine in the new culture, redefining work and life boundaries, and setting time apart for different segments of life.
Utilizing Organizational Support: Seek and utilize company resources, cultural training, and flexible work policies to manage stress and balance work-life demands.
Understanding these factors and implementing supportive practices can greatly enhance the expatriate experience, benefiting both the individuals and the organizations they represent.
References:
Van der Laken, P. A., van Engen, M. L., & van Veldhoven, M. J. P. M. (2019). Expatriates’ cross-cultural adjustment and burnout: The role of communication in host and home country contexts. Human Resource Management Review, 29(2), 100677. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2018.10.001
Selmer, J., & Lauring, J. (2020). Job demands, job resources, and burnout among expatriates: The role of acculturation and cultural intelligence. International Journal of Cross-Cultural Management, 20(2), 221–237. DOI:10.1108/JGM-05-2016-0015
Haslberger, A., & Brewster, C. (2017). Stress and burnout in international business expatriates: The role of work-life balance and cultural adjustment. Journal of International Business Studies, 48(1), 81–97. DOI:10.4337/9781784718183.00010
Andreason, A. W., & Kinneer, K. D. (2021). Managing expatriates’ psychological well-being: The role of work-life balance and organizational support. Journal of Organizational Behavior, 42(4), 652-670. https://doi.org/10.1002/job.2532
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