FIFO Mental Health: What the Latest Research Reveals About Stress, Burnout & Family Wellbeing

For many Australian families, Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) work offers financial stability and a chance to build a future. But behind the income and lifestyle benefits lies a reality that’s often overlooked: the emotional strain, constant transitions, and silent pressures that gradually impact wellbeing.

FIFO life affects more than just the worker — it touches relationships, partners, children, routines, identity, and mental health.

In this article, we explore the latest research to understand how FIFO work shapes emotional wellbeing, why burnout happens, and what families can do to stay strong and connected.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of FIFO Life

Research-backed insights into how FIFO work impacts families

A 2018 study by Gardner et al. found that FIFO workers and their partners often experience emotional overload, particularly around the transition between site life and home life.

Workers may struggle to mentally “clock off,” while partners manage solo parenting, home responsibilities, and the emotional labour of holding everything together (Gardner et al., 2018).

This repeated cycle creates:

• Emotional disconnection

• Reduced communication

• Tension or irritability during reunions

• Increased vulnerability to stress

• Feelings of isolation on both sides

Over time, these patterns can strain relationships and contribute to burnout.

Health Behaviours That Contribute to FIFO Burnout

Burnout isn’t caused only by long hours — it’s shaped by what happens in between.

A 2022 study by Gandy et al. found that FIFO workers often experience:

• Poor sleep quality

• Irregular meals

• Limited downtime

• Increased alcohol consumption

• Disrupted routines

• Reduced opportunities for recovery

These behaviours weaken the body’s ability to regulate stress. Combine this with emotional pressure, and you have a recipe for chronic exhaustion, the foundation of FIFO burnout.

Mood Swings Across a FIFO Roster Cycle

A 2022 diary study by Winefield et al. tracked workers’ daily moods and health behaviours (Winefield et al., 2022).

They found:

• High job stress + low control = negative mood, unhealthy coping

• Autonomy + support = better wellbeing

This highlights how important workplace culture, team dynamics, and personal autonomy are in preventing burnout.

Workers with more influence over their tasks and supportive colleagues experienced fewer emotional fluctuations and coped better across their roster.

COVID-19: A Pressure Multiplier

The FIFO lifestyle was already challenging and the pandemic intensified every stressor.

A 2023 study found FIFO workers experienced a significant spike in psychological distress and loneliness during COVID-19 (Sellar et al., 2023).

Longer rosters, restricted movement, limited flights, and reduced family contact created a perfect storm of emotional strain.

With usual coping strategies, socialising, exercise, and travel restricted, many workers were left feeling overwhelmed and disconnected.

This highlights the need for consistent, accessible mental health support, especially during unpredictable events.

Why Some FIFO Workers Burn Out Faster Than Others

Burnout isn’t caused only by workload, it’s deeply connected to emotional support and workplace culture.

A 2019 study by Cooke et al. found:

• Workers who feel valued, supported, and heard experience less emotional exhaustion and remain more engaged allowing them to cope better with stress

• Workers who feel micromanaged, isolated, or unappreciated experience significantly higher burnout, have reduced job satisfaction and feel emotionally disconnected

• Feeling unheard or undervalued amplifies stress and accelerates burnout.

How FIFO Workers & Families Can Support Their Mental Health

Based on research and clinical experience, here are practical strategies to help manage stress and strengthen resilience.

1. Talk About More Than Logistics

Make space for emotional check-ins during calls home, not just work updates or schedules.

Try asking:

• “How are you feeling today?”

• “What felt heavy/light this week?”

  
  

This builds emotional intimacy, even across the distance.

2. Build Routines That Support You On-Site

Small habits make a big difference:

• Prioritise sleep when you can

• Hydrate and eat consistent meals

• Move your body daily

• Create a wind-down ritual

These routines regulate your nervous system and reduce stress.

3. Normalise Emotional Support

Reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness, it’s a protective factor.

Counselling, peer groups, or mental health check-ins help FIFO workers:

• Process emotions

• Reduce burnout

• Strengthen relationships

• Improve coping strategies

• Navigate swings more smoothly

4. Build Autonomy Where Possible

Even small amounts of control help reduce stress.

Autonomy may include:

• Input into rosters

• Flexibility in shifts

• Choice in task management

• Supportive team communication

A sense of agency protects against emotional exhaustion.

5. Strengthen Connection at Home

Predictable routines help partners and children feel secure.

Try:

• Bedtime rituals

• Weekly check-in calls

• Meals together before/after swings

• Family activities during transitions

Connection doesn’t need to be big — it needs to be consistent.

FIFO Life Is More Than a Job — It’s a Whole Lifestyle

The emotional demands are real, and the ripple effects are felt across entire families. But with the right strategies, communication, and support systems, burnout can be reduced and connection can grow.

You don’t have to navigate this alone. Compassionate, professional support can make a meaningful difference — on-site, at home, or anywhere in between.

Want to talk to someone who understands FIFO life?

I offer confidential FIFO-focused counselling for workers, partners, and families — online and on the Sunshine Coast.

Book a session or a 10-minute consult to see if we're the right fit

FAQ's

1. What does research say about FIFO mental health?

Studies show higher rates of stress, fatigue, loneliness, and burnout among FIFO workers and partners due to long hours, isolation, and family separation.

2. Why do FIFO workers experience burnout?

Burnout arises from disrupted routines, poor sleep, high job demands, emotional isolation, and limited access to mental health support.

3. How does FIFO life affect families?

Partners often manage parenting and household responsibilities alone, which can strain relationships, reduce communication, and increase emotional load.

4. What helps FIFO workers manage stress?

Emotional check-ins, support systems, healthier routines, autonomy at work, and professional counselling can significantly reduce stress.

5. Where can FIFO families get support?

Counselling, peer communities, EAP programs, and online mental health services offer support to help navigate the unique challenges of FIFO life.

Kimberly Freeman, BA Psychology, Dip Counselling, Registered Counsellor is the founder of Shifting Perspective Counselling, based on the Sunshine Coast, Australia. She offers compassionate, client-centred support for those navigating grief, loss, and life transitions both in person and online.