World Mental Health Day
Employee Well-Being Abroad: The Role of Mental Health Support
This World Mental Health Day, the theme set by the World Federation of Mental Health is workplace mental health – with 15% of UK workers being estimated to have an existing mental health condition.
Last week, we had an insightful conversation with our partners at Charles Taylor Assistance, who work closely with us to provide the medical aspects of our services.
During their latest visit, we discussed the evolving landscape of mental health, especially now that it is a more prevalent and openly discussed topic. We talked about how thorough preparation and due diligence can help prevent a mental health emergency—something that should be taken as seriously as any other security threat.
“Mental health risks in high-stress environments can be just as unpredictable as physical threats.
Proper planning and support aren’t just optional; they are essential for ensuring the wellbeing of teams working in challenging regions.”
Nadeem Sheikh-Ali, Charles Taylor

Mental Health Due Diligence is a must: Before sending employees abroad, conducting thorough risk assessments for both personal safety and mental well-being is essential. It’s important to recognise that in many remote locations, access to English-speaking mental health services is limited, if available at all.
It can be a challenging topic, particularly when some individuals may be reluctant to speak openly about their mental health, fearing stigma or concern about missing out on career opportunities. Therefore, it’s important for risk and security managers to go beyond the usual checklists for physical security risks.
Here’s how managers can take a more personal approach:
1. Check-In Regularly: Set up one-on-one conversations that go beyond work performance. Ask how your team members are really feeling about the environment they are in.
2. Provide Mental Health Resources: Connect employees with mental health professionals before and after assignments. Make sure they know there is a safe space to discuss concerns, especially in regions where services may be limited.
3. Debrief Beyond Security: When employees return, don’t just focus on physical safety outcomes. Mental debriefs can help identify those who might need support after working in challenging environments.
4. Encourage Peer Support: Sometimes the best resource is a colleague who’s been through the same experience. Create platforms where employees can connect and share their experiences openly.

As we observe World Mental Health Day, it’s important for organisations to acknowledge the growing importance of workplace mental health and their duty of care to employees, particularly those operating in high-stress or remote environments.
At Solace Global, our combined medical and security services ensure that organisations are fully equipped to support their employees’ well-being, no matter where they are in the world. Our medical assistance services offer important support, including access to healthcare professionals, mental health resources, and evacuation in case of emergencies. With proactive planning and real-time assistance, we help safeguard both the physical and mental health of teams working in complex environments.
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