The Hidden Cost of FIFO Life: Burnout, Stress & Finding Balance

For many Australian families, Fly-In Fly-Out (FIFO) work offers financial stability and the chance to build a future. But behind the paycheque lies a reality that’s often overlooked: the emotional toll, constant transitions, and silent strain that chip away at mental health over time.

The FIFO lifestyle affects more than just the worker—it touches partners, kids, relationships, and wellbeing. In this post, we’re diving into the latest research to explore how FIFO work impacts families and what can be done to build resilience and find balance.

The Emotional Rollercoaster of FIFO Life

A 2018 study by Gardner et al. found that FIFO workers and their partners often wrestle with emotional overload as they shift between the demands of site life and home life. Workers may struggle to mentally “clock off,” while partners juggle solo parenting and household duties for long stretches (Gardner et al., 2018).

Loneliness is a recurring theme—especially for the home partner, who can feel like a single parent much of the time. Emotional disconnect, reduced communication, and the pressure of reunions often lead to friction or feelings of isolation on both ends. Over time, this ongoing cycle can increase vulnerability to stress, fatigue, and relationship breakdowns.

Health Behaviours That Fuel Burnout

FIFO Burnout doesn’t just come from working too much—it grows from neglecting what fuels us. A 2022 study by Gandy et al. revealed that FIFO workers frequently face poor sleep, irregular meals, and increased alcohol consumption during site rotations (Gandy et al., 2022).

These habits add up. Sleep deprivation affects cognitive function and emotional regulation. Inconsistent eating habits reduce energy and can affect mood. Over time, this lifestyle undermines the body’s natural ability to recover from stress. Add emotional strain to the mix, and it becomes a breeding ground for chronic exhaustion—aka burnout.

Mood Swings on a Roster Cycle

What does a FIFO week feel like from the inside? A 2022 diary study by Winefield et al. tracked workers’ emotions and health habits across their rosters (Winefield et al., 2022). The results? Days with high job stress and low control led to more negative moods and unhealthy behaviours. Workers reported fluctuations in their mental state depending on their workload, autonomy, and social interactions. But when they felt supported and had more say in how their day flowed, their wellbeing improved.

This highlights a key factor in managing burnout—giving workers more control and building a supportive culture can act as a buffer against mental health challenges.

COVID-19: Turning Up the Pressure

The FIFO lifestyle was tough before—but the pandemic turned up the dial. A 2023 study showed FIFO workers experienced a spike in psychological distress and loneliness during COVID-19, especially with longer rosters and limited family contact (Sellar et al., 2023).

Lockdowns, travel restrictions, and increased time away from family made the usual stressors of FIFO life feel even heavier. Coping strategies like socialising, exercise, or travel became inaccessible, and many workers were left feeling emotionally isolated. This underscores the need for mental health services that adapt to changing environments and provide ongoing support, not just crisis response.

Why Some Workers Burn Out Faster Than Others

Burnout doesn’t affect everyone equally. According to a 2019 study by Cooke et al., FIFO workers who felt valued—through team support, constructive feedback, and a sense of control—were more engaged and less emotionally exhausted, even under high workloads (Cooke et al., 2019).

On the flip side, workers who felt isolated, unappreciated, or micromanaged were more likely to experience high emotional exhaustion. Feeling like you have no voice or recognition at work can create a sense of helplessness that accelerates burnout.

The takeaway? Preventing burnout is just as much about increasing connection, control, and validation as it is about reducing workload.

How to Support FIFO Mental Health—At Home and On Site

•  Talk about more than logistics-Set time aside for emotional check-ins during calls home. Talk about how you're feeling, not just what you’re doing. This builds emotional intimacy even when you’re apart.

• Build routines that work on site-Prioritise regular sleep, movement, and nutritious food—even small improvements help regulate stress. Structure your day around what restores you, not just what needs to get done.

• Make support normal-Speaking to a counsellor or joining a peer group doesn’t mean something’s wrong—it means you’re being proactive about your wellbeing. Normalising these conversations helps break stigma.

• Create autonomy where possible-Whether it’s input into rosters, flexible shift changes, or choosing how tasks are approached, giving workers a sense of control reduces psychological strain.

• Strengthen connection at home-Schedule quality time before and after swings. Family rituals—like dinner together, bedtime routines, or weekend activities—help kids feel secure and partners feel supported, even during long absences.

  
  

  

  
  

FIFO life is more than just a job—it’s a lifestyle that brings both opportunities and challenges. The emotional demands are real, and the impacts ripple through entire families. But through small, compassionate shifts—in habits, conversations, and support systems—burnout can be managed, and connection can grow.

No one should have to navigate the highs and lows of FIFO life alone. With care, understanding, and the right strategies, families can stay strong, even across the distance.

FAQ:

1.

1. What is FIFO burnout and why does it happen?

FIFO burnout is chronic physical and emotional exhaustion caused by the unique stressors of fly-in fly-out work, including long periods away from family, demanding rosters, and disrupted sleep and lifestyle patterns.

2. How does FIFO work affect families?

FIFO work can cause emotional strain for both the worker and their family. Partners often take on solo parenting roles, while communication and connection may suffer, leading to stress, loneliness, and relationship tension.

3. What are the signs of burnout in FIFO workers?

Common signs include fatigue, irritability, sleep disturbances, emotional numbness, reduced job satisfaction, and feeling disconnected from loved ones.

4. How can FIFO families manage stress and prevent burnout?

Creating structured routines, prioritising sleep and nutrition, improving communication, seeking emotional support, and building autonomy at work are key strategies to reduce burnout risk.

5. Where can FIFO workers and families get help for burnout?

Counselling services, mental health check-ins, employee assistance programs, and peer support networks offer meaningful help for navigating the highs and lows of FIFO life.

References:

Gardner, B. et al. (2018). Mental Health and Well-Being Concerns of FIFO Workers and Their Partners. IJERPH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5855220/

Gandy, J. et al. (2022). Health and Related Behaviours of FIFO Workers in the Mining Industry. BMC Public Health. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9312312/

Winefield, H. et al. (2022). Impact of FIFO Work on Health Behaviours and Affective States. Stress and Health. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/smi.3361

Sellar, B. et al. (2023). The Mental Health of FIFO Workers Before and During COVID-19. Australian Journal of Psychology. https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00049530.2023.2170280