FIFO workers not in it just for money

FLY-IN, fly-out (FIFO) mine workers aren't just in it for the big bucks, a study shows.

FLY-IN, fly-out (FIFO) mine workers aren't just in it for the big bucks, a study shows.

Researchers at Perth's Edith Cowan University School of Management were surprised to discover FIFO workers were more concerned with job satisfaction, training and workforce camaraderie than high salaries.

Asked to rate these factors on a scale of one to five, with five being the highest score, respondents to the study ranked getting along with colleagues as most important with a score of 4.52.

Research leader Alan Brown said the results were not what the team had expected and went against public perception that FIFO workers were only in it for the money.

"Our initial findings have shown that many people enter into this type of employment with a long-term career goal," Professor Brown said.

"Money is not the driving factor we thought it would be.

"In fact FIFO work is seen as an opportunity to further develop careers within the mining industry."

He said employers who wanted to attract and retain FIFO workers needed to focus on training and development, and provide a positive working environment.