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Wednesday, 11 October 2017

The State Government has granted The University of Western Australia’s (UWA) Centre for Transformative Work Design $498,841 to carry out research into the wellbeing and mental health impact of fly-in fly-out (FIFO) arrangements on workers. The announcement coincides with Mental Health Week.

This research will seek to understand the range of workplace factors that contribute to mental health and wellbeing in FIFO workers and identify positive strategies that can be used by individuals, families and organisations in the FIFO environment.

FIFO workers play an important part in the research and will be invited to take part in an online survey. The survey is available here - https://crowdresearch.uwa.edu.au/project/wellbeing-fifoworkers/

Director of UWA's Centre for Transformative Work Design, Professor Sharon Parker said existing research indicated that work is a powerful influence on people’s wellbeing.

“We also know that FIFO work has some unique challenges so it is very important for us to gain better insights into the aspects of FIFO work and lifestyle that affect a person’s wellbeing and mental health, both positively and negatively,” Professor Parker said.

“The funding will allow us to carry out important research into the role of workplace factors in shaping mental health in FIFO workers. Some of these factors include the attributes of the jobs, rosters, the company culture, leadership, team support and family relationships.”

Mental Health Minister Roger Cook said the funding would enable important research into the role of workplace factors which shape mental health in FIFO workers.

"In Western Australia, we have a large population of FIFO workers. It's important we determine the nature of wellbeing in this sector and the specific factors and strategies that governments, employers and employees can implement to address mental health and wellbeing of FIFO workers.”

The project is being guided by a research reference group that includes the Mental Health Commission, family representatives, employee and employer representatives, and mental health and alcohol and other drug peak bodies.

Media references

Jess Reid (UWA Media and Public Relations Advisor)                                           (+61 8) 6488 6876

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