Channel Islands get working expats' seal of approval

Monday 04 February 2019

Working culture, job security, earnings and work-life balance are better in the Channel Islands than other locations in the world, new data has suggested.

HSBC's annual Expat Explorer Survey looked at a number of issues impacting those living and working overseas.

Overall, the survey of more than 22,000 expatriates revealed that career ambition is the number one reason why people take the plunge and settle abroad, and that Germany is top of the list for ambitious globetrotters looking to further their careers, ahead of Bahrain and the UK.

The data found that the Channel Islands and Isle of Man score well against global benchmarks. In particular, the survey found that the approach to work in the islands is appreciated by expats, with 77% saying their work-life balance is better than in their home country, 26% above the global average, whilst 58% considered the work culture to be better than their home country, 10% above the global benchmark.

Pictured: John Goddard, Head of HSBC Expat.

The analysis suggested that working as an expat in the islands is also very rewarding, with 63% saying that their earnings prospects are better than in their home country, whilst 61% of expats felt that job security is better. This might explain why 68% of the expats working in the islands have been here for over five years.

Furthermore, over three quarters of the respondents said they would recommend fellow expats to move there. 

John Goddard, Head of HSBC Expat, commented: “We wanted to understand what makes people tick when it comes to working abroad, so we conducted a fresh analysis of the world’s largest survey of expats. By looking at a range of criteria from career progression and earnings, through to work-life balance, we were able to explore the world’s best destinations for a career abroad.

“Interestingly, Guernsey, Jersey and the Isle of Man performed really well against the global figures when we took a closer look at responses from the islands. It’s clear that they offer an attractive work-life balance and the potential for a rewarding career. Expats working in the islands are also really proud to be working there and are quick to become fully engaged in the local community, with more than three-quarters likely to recommend the islands to other expats – that’s a fantastic form of advocacy.”