A new job for January? The best places in the world to work

John Goddard, Head of HSBC Expat

The start of a new year is a natural time for many of us to think about making changes to our lives, and this is especially true when it comes to work.

I have been lucky enough to have the opportunity to work abroad several times. This has meant I have experienced work around the world and have seen first-hand how a move abroad can rejuvenate and refresh a career. Not only does this encourage you to become more adaptable and agile, it can teach you a lot – professionally and personally.

To understand what makes professionals tick when it comes to working abroad, we conducted fresh analysis of our Expat Explorer survey, combing through insights from more than 22,000 expats to identify the best destinations for expat careers in 2019.

1. Germany, work to live not live to work

Renowned for efficiency and productivity, Germany tops the Expat Explorer career rankings this year, going one better than in 2017 and 2016. Expats ranked Germany as having the second-best working culture in the world, while almost three quarters (73 per cent) highlight job security as a major perk of working there. It was also rated as the most productive workplace in the world. What is more interesting is that this productivity seems to be well balanced, with a good proportion of expats saying that they had seen a positive impact on work life balance – 71 per cent agreed this had improved compared to their home country.

Expats told us: “Do not expect your workplace to provide an instant social life. Germans are very family-orientated and usually prefer to spend time there. You have to make a concerted effort to get to know the locals.”

2. Bahrain: Realise your earnings potential

Bahrain’s potential for sky-high earnings for expats was central to its storming rise up the rankings this year, increasing 10 places on 2017. There are a few factors which contributed to its popularity, driven by attractive salary packages, earning potential, and solid benefits packages.

More than three quarters (77 per cent) of expats agreed that their potential salary has increased since moving, without necessarily having to compromise on their work life balance. Indeed, 73 per cent say they have seen their work-life balance soar. What is more, the country offers good perks to those moving to work. Expats say that Bahrain tends to provide some of the world’s most comprehensive benefits packages. Most foreign workers receive an accommodation allowance (69 per cent) and medical allowance (64 per cent), while one in four (23 per cent) can even expect a bonus to help cover living expenses.

Expats told us: “Challenging at times, but rewarding employment. Good social life and weather.”

3. The UK: A great place to grow skills

Another country with a strong surge up the rankings is the UK, rising six places to third place, with expats lauding the country as a great place to learn new skills (66 per cent).

Despite the uncertainty posed by the country’s current political climate, it is refreshing to see expats are embracing the positive aspects of life in the UK. Many expats highlight the expertise and new skills they have learned since arriving, with career progression also cited as a strong benefit of moving there. More than two thirds (69 per cent) of those working in the UK say that it is a good place to get ahead – second only to the USA (71 per cent) and Hong Kong (72 per cent).

Expats told us: “Join a local business networking group and offer something for free to get to know other businesses. This is a good way to establish yourself initially as a trusted and friendly business.”

4. UAE: Brilliant for benefits

The UAE maintains the fourth position in the rankings for the third consecutive year, and with good reason. The employment benefits on offer to expats remain second to none, with a whopping 95 per cent saying they receive at least some form of additional remuneration. Most common among these were medical allowances (85 per cent) and airfare allowance (75 per cent) which, coupled with high earning prospects, means that many expats highlight the many opportunities to immerse themselves in life there.

Expats told us: “Come with a positive attitude and enjoy everything the UAE has to offer.”

5. Switzerland: A strong all-round showing

Expats should not be put off by Switzerland falling slightly this year as it dropped four places this year, because it remains an attractive prospect for career-focused expats who are looking to increase their salaries and challenge themselves. Expats ranked it second for earning prospects (75 per cent), fourth for job security (50 per cent), and fifth for career progression (63 per cent). It is therefore not just a heaven for the chocolatiers, Switzerland scores well across the board and impressively ranks in the top 5 countries in three separate categories.

Expats told us: “Don't get hung up on how much things cost. The increase in salary should outweigh the increase in cost of goods. If you can bear that in mind it is a much happier life!”

… and along come No.18: Vietnam – a potential destination for career progression and better benefits

Vietnam deserves a special mention thanks to its eight-place gain to claim the 18^thcountry in the world for career. In Vietnam, 83.6 per cent of expats say they receive benefits as part of their employment pack such as health and medical allowances, annual trip home or airfare allowance or accommodation allowance. Expat Explorer reveals that moving to Vietnam helps expats save more with higher income than they did in their home country.

More than half (55 per cent) of expats in Vietnam say their work-life balance is better than it was in their home country and 40.3 per cent say the work culture is better than at home. Vietnam is a good place for expats who want to progress their career, according to 47 per cent of the correspondents.

Table: Best locations for expats to work (Careers League Table based on 2018 results)

New Year career resolutions

If self-improvement is on your list of New Year resolutions, a stint abroad could be the answer. Try these destinations to become your best self:

• Get out of your comfort zone: Working abroad anywhere can make you more adaptable (61 per cent of all people working abroad say this) and more confident (58 per cent);
• Learn to lead: Bahrain is the place to go if you want to find your voice as a leader. 59 per cent of people say working there has developed their leadership skills;
• Make new friends: Eager to become a people person? Brazil, Indonesia, and the Philippines are the most sociable work places in the world,
• Finish that novel: Head to Brazil, 57 per cent of foreign workers say working in Brazil has made them more creative.

Expats vote Vietnam among best countries to live and work Expats working in Vietnam are currently enjoying over $90,000 in average annual income, with the country scoring in the 19th place for best countries to ...

Vietnamese expats bring Industry 4.0 talent home As part of an ambitious plan to unlock the nation’s technological potential and take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, Vietnam is calling on Vietnamese ...

Banks seek expats for leading roles Vietnam’s finance and banking sector has attracted quite a number of foreigners to leading roles over the years. This trend is expected to continue, as ...