I have spoken with many experienced Fly-in fly-out (FIFO) workers in the mining industry – both in Australia and overseas – and it takes a special kind of person to successfully navigate the FIFO lifestyle.
Life as a FIFO worker can be exciting and interesting – great money, travel, rent-free living, most expenses paid for, catered meals, access to gym facilities - sounds like a pretty good lifestyle, doesn’t it?
But there is a trade-off!
The FIFO lifestyle can take a lot out of workers, and their loved ones – mentally and physically. The work is taxing, to say the least, and not for everyone. FIFO workers who spend long periods away from home at remote or offshore worksites, often experience increased levels of physical and emotional stress. Harsh environment, rotating rosters, feelings of isolation, separation from home and family, relationship problems, and missing special events are just some of the issues that many experience in these challenging roles.
Additionally, seeking help is often seen as a sign of weakness. The “toughen up” mentality on some worksites means workers are reluctant to talk about their problems. Instead, they suffer in silence and pretend that everything is fine.
There is no doubt that FIFO work is challenging but many workers adapt well to this unique lifestyle. They use a wide range of positive strategies, or “tools” to manage their wellbeing in the FIFO environment. They key is to find a BALANCE between work and home life. Of course, this is easier said than done.
So, if you are a FIFO worker, when was the last time you checked your wellbeing toolbox? Are your tools helpful in the long-term?
And if you don’t have one, here are some ideas that might inspire you to create your own wellbeing toolbox:
Tool #1 – Know Yourself:
Do you understand why you’re thinking, feeling and behaving the way you are? It’s important to spend a little time to get to know yourself. Being aware of your emotions, strengths, weaknesses, beliefs and motivations is crucial to your health and wellbeing. Self-awareness gives you the ability to observe yourself in certain situations and choose the most appropriate response or course of action. Keeping a log or journal of some sort is a great way to become more self-aware.
Tool #2 – Develop a Self-Care Plan:
You have to learn to look after yourself - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Self-care plan can help you make significant and lasting improvements to your overall health and wellbeing. Start small and keep you plan simple and realistic. Try to develop a routine and stick to your self-care plan whilst working, as well as during periods of leave. Keep track of how you are doing and make changes to your plan as needed.
Tool #3 – Stay Connected:
It’s important to have a family that supports you. Connect with your loved ones as often as possible, even if they are thousands of kilometres away. Thanks to modern technology, global communication is much easier and faster. And always finish the conversation on a positive note! Don’t withdraw from other workers when on-site, as this can lead to increased isolation. Make an effort to connect with others, healthy workplace relationships are very important too.
Tool #4 – Watch Your Diet:
Your daily meals can be the highlight of your day but be mindful of what you eat. It’s easy to slip into poor eating habits when you are away from home. Make a real effort to maintain a healthy diet. Avoid alcohol, drug use and smoking, they are not healthy long-term coping mechanisms.
Tool #5 – Get Moving:
Although exercise may be the last thing on your mind after a long workday, it will help. And you don’t have to go to the gym to maintain your fitness. Walking, stretching or using resistance bands are all great options for your workout. Any exercise is better than none at all. Find a workout buddy to help you stay motivated – it can be a lot of fun, too.
Tool #6 – Regularly Re-Assess How You’re Coping:
Be open and honest with your partner. Talk about what is working and what is not working for each of you. You are a team so make decisions together. Open lines of communication are crucial. If the FIFO lifestyle doesn't fit you or your family anymore, then it may be time for change.
Tool #7 – Be Flexible and Open-Minded:
Life is unpredictable and things don't always go as planned. Like any job, there are ups and downs of being a FIFO worker. Flexible mindset helps you to see problems from a different perspective. You are more likely to come up with new solutions and cope better in difficult situations. And you develop mental fitness as well.
Tool #8 – Keep Learning:
Why are you doing FIFO work? And how long can you sustain the lifestyle? Two years, five years, ten years or more? Have a realistic plan as you may not want to work FIFO long term. You could use your free time to upskill and advance your career. Find an online course or self-improvement program. The skills and qualifications you gain are often transferable to other roles. And be smart about money.
Tool #9 – Ask for Help:
If you are finding it hard to cope with the FIFO lifestyle, reach out to others. Is there someone in the workplace you can trust? It can be really helpful to talk to someone about your worries. Just ONE person, just ONE meaningful connection in the workplace can make a huge difference to your wellbeing. Or you might prefer to talk to a mental health professional. Do you know about the company's Employee Assistance Program? It’s okay to have a bad day every now and then. It’s okay to be stressed and anxious at times. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Just make sure you’re not bottling up your feelings or concerns. Keeping silent doesn’t help anyone.
FIFO work tests your strengths and resilience in so many ways. You must be prepared to look after your mental, physical and emotional wellbeing. When your body and mind are in balance, you feel good about yourself. And you operate and perform better too.
So, make a commitment to your own self-care – and make sure you have the right “tools” in your wellbeing toolbox!
Eila Mikkonen
Counsellor, Coach & Mental Fitness Facilitator