Duty of Care
What is Duty of Care?
An employer's legal and ethical obligation to take reasonable steps to ensure the health, safety, and well-being of employees working abroad, including risk assessment, emergency support, and communication protocols.
Duty of care extends to all employees working outside their home country, whether on long-term assignments, short-term projects, or business travel. Employers are expected to assess risks related to political stability, health and safety, natural disasters, crime, and other threats in the host location.
A robust duty of care program includes pre-departure risk briefings, access to medical and security assistance, real-time travel tracking, emergency evacuation plans, and mental health support. Many organizations partner with specialized providers to deliver 24/7 assistance and crisis management.
Regulatory requirements for duty of care vary by jurisdiction, but the general expectation is that employers must take reasonable, proportionate steps to protect their workforce. Failure to do so can result in legal liability, reputational damage, and loss of employee trust.
Related Terms
Mobility Program
The structured set of policies, processes, vendors, and technology an organization uses to manage employee moves and international assignments at scale.
Remote Work Policy
A company framework governing the conditions under which employees may work from locations outside their designated office, including international remote work arrangements and associated compliance obligations.
Repatriation
The process of returning an employee to their home country following the completion of an international assignment, including career transition support, reverse culture adjustment, and logistical assistance.