How do low-status expatriates deal with crises? Stress, external support and personal coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic

Abstract

PurposeLow-status expatriates (LSEs), a highly vulnerable group, have been significantly affected by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. This study explores the stressors that continue to impact LSEs in Germany and their access to support during the pandemic.Design/methodology/approachAn interpretivist, qualitative research approach was employed. The authors utilised a multi-level data collection strategy that combined interview and questionnaire data from 16 expatriates and 16 social actors. The data were analysed using a directed content analysis method.FindingsLSEs experienced high levels of stress that were further exacerbated by the introduction of COVID-19 control measures that were intended to slow the spread of the virus. LSEs are particularly vulnerable due to their overrepresentation in precarious professions and the associated job insecurity. Critically, external support from employers and social actors is generally lacking, leaving LSEs to rely on their own personal coping strategies in difficult times.Research limitations/implicationsThe earlier Expatriate crisis Framework highlights the importance of external support for expatriates. However, this framework does not sufficiently account for personal coping strategies that are particularly important for individuals that cannot access such external support (e.g. LSEs). Herein, the authors offer a revised framework that is more applicable to LSEs.Practical implicationsCurrent practices are problematic, necessitating policy changes at both governmental and organisational levels.Originality/valueThis study provides unique insights into the ways in which the pandemic has affected the already precarious position of LSEs and identifies the importance of personal coping strategies in the absence of external sources of support.

Moving across Borders: The Work Life Experiences of Czech Cross‐border Workers during the COVID‐19 Pandemic

“…The levels of stress faced by study participants was severely impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic. While this is an observation not unique to CBWs (Haist and Kurth, 2022 ), their work‐related circumstances changed significantly during the crises because of problems faced during their commute, work itself, and a lack of acceptance and support from both the German and Czech governments and society. The process of cross‐border commuting, when possible, was a stressor itself that also led to increased levels of stress in other areas of life, especially in the context of work and work–life balance.…”

“…However, this was largely provided to many of our participants. This is particularly interesting, since employment in the secondary segment is typified by poor working conditions and a lack of organizational support (Al Ariss et al ., 2013 ; Haist and Kurth, 2022 ; Hirsch, 2016 ). This could be interpreted as a reflection of the stronger power base of CBWs, based on their importance for organizations in the border region compared to other forms of LSEs, especially in times of crisis (Wille, 2010 ).…”

“…These conditions create a difficult environment that negatively affects the personal and professional lives of these individuals in normal times (Böhm, 2021 ; Haindorfer, 2013 ; Pires and Nunes, 2018 ). Moreover, in times of global crises and challenging economic situations, the combination of inequality, social alienation, and a lack of support in the host country may further worsen the lived experiences of CBWs (Haist and Kurth, 2022 ).…”

“…Due to precarious contracts, subcontractors, and a lack of sufficient knowledge about employment legislation, especially in low‐status employment, the secondary labour market was more severely impacted by the COVID‐19 pandemic than the primary market (Haist and Kurth, 2022 ; Holtbrügge, 2021 ). CBWs experienced changing circumstances in both countries including border closures, which prevented or severely restricted commuting for over three months.…”

“…Additionally, recent studies show that individuals in low‐status occupations find it difficult to draw from external sources of support in normal times. This is exacerbated in times of crisis (Haak‐Saheem et al ., 2021 ; Haist and Kurth, 2022 ). The authors of these studies show that sources of support from external specialists, including governments, councils, and NGOs, as well as support from within an individual's social network (for example friends and colleagues in the host country), are largely limited especially when the individual works abroad (Haist and Kurth, 2022 ).…”