The number of employees who provide their services abroad is increasing. Companies are globalizing and, in consequence, mobilize their skilled workers to other countries to perform specific jobs. In this reality, new generations see the figure of the expatriate as a professional opportunity to grow and live experiences in other cultures.
An expatriate is a worker who moves to a foreign country to develop their professional activity. Before, expatriation was reserved for high positions, but everything changed with technological advances and job internationalization.
Now, Millennials, a generation that in 2020 will represent 50% of the workforce, have more significant opportunities to fulfil missions outside their countries of origin. In fact, surveys indicate that 80% of Millennials are interested in expatriating to another country.
Studies reveal that more people are willing to develop their careers in other countries every day. Among the reasons that the employees that want to live abroad mention are:
- The work experience they will gain
- The possibility of improving their quality of life.
- The opportunity to live a new adventure.
Today’s expatriate is younger
There is no definite profile of the expatriate worker. In the absence of skilled employees, especially in the technology sector, organizations have chosen to move their talent to other countries at all levels. From people in high positions to specialized technicians range among those mobilized.
In addition to degrees (the level of professional training is increasing), experience, management of technologies and languages knowledge, the expatriate is also required more skills related to change adaptation. The requirements to work in another country include the ability to adapt, personal autonomy, availability to study abroad, tolerance and change in the philosophy of life.
Today’s expatriate is younger than in the past. They have a high technical level and travels with fewer family responsibilities. Studies affirm that the most requested professionals are engineers and architects in the areas of computer science and technology.
Motives to work abroad
Being an expatriate usually implies a salary higher than the one in the country of origin. On the other hand, there are attractive benefits such as bonuses, access to housing, transportation costs, etc. However, in addition to improving their economic expectations, people who expatriate find mainly opportunities for development.
Among the signs that indicate the evolution of the expatriate is that 82% of them recognize that they have established excellent relationships with coworkers abroad. On the other hand, 65% ensure that they have reasonable workload and 56% value the opportunity to learn and grow.
There is a fact that also speaks about benefits for expatriates: 61% indicate that they have access to excellent health services.
Europe is the ideal destination
Ten countries of the European Union are among the top 20 with the best conditions for expatriates. A study took into consideration economic conditions, work experience, and the advantages for the adaptation of the family.
The European countries with the best conditions are Norway (2), Germany (4), Holland (5), Sweden (8), Austria (9), Switzerland (11), Czech Republic (12), Portugal (16), Spain (17) and Belgium (19).
The majority of expatriates look for places with the ideal conditions to adapt. They expect that the cities of destination offer quality health and transportation services, as well as a varied cultural activity. On the other hand, they also take into consideration the low crime rate.
If an employee is moved to a country of the European Union, they will benefit from the social security of the country of destination. If it is a country outside the European Union, they must submit to the international social security agreement. Otherwise, they will quote in their country of origin for the contingencies that the country of destination does not cover.