How FIFO Workers Are Switching Off During R&R

While many FIFO mining workers are physically home, they're still feeling like they're at work.

Most of us look forward to R&R.  

After 1-2 weeks on site, long shifts, early starts, and time away from family and friends, R&R can feel like it’s been marked in your calendar for months. But as many FIFO workers know, the time between stepping off the plane and repacking your bag has a habit of disappearing quickly.  

For many, the challenge is making the most of your time off.  

While some workers return to site feeling refreshed and recharged, others are finding themselves spending their break catching up on sleep, tackling household jobs, and wondering where the time went. 

This article explores how some FIFO workers are using their R&R, drawing on research from Western Australian FIFO studies, mining industry wellbeing studies, and discussions within FIFO and mining communities. 

So, what are FIFO workers struggling with during their time off? And what are the workers who seem to thrive doing differently? 

Several clear patterns emerge. If you’re somebody who struggles to switch off on your R&R, these finding may be particularly helpful. 

What FIFO Workers are Struggling with During R&R 

For many, switching off isn't as simple as stepping off the plane and heading home. 

After spending weeks away, R&R often arrives with a mix of excitement, expectation and pressure. There's family to reconnect with, jobs around the house, and a limited amount of time before the next swing begins. 

Research conducted by The Future Of Work Institute found many FIFO workers report feeling isolated from family, more anxious, and missing important life events while away. That can make the transition home challenging. 

Many FIFO workers describe feeling as though they're caught between two worlds. Physically, they're home. Mentally, they're still processing work, thinking about the next roster, or trying to decompress from the demands of site life.  

While R&R is designed as a recovery period, some workers admit they spend the first few days simply trying to get back into sync with everyday life. 

Discussions across Reddit mining communities reveal several common challenges during time off. Some workers feel pressure to make the most of every moment with family and friends. Others find themselves catching up on chores and responsibilities that have piled up. A common frustration is reaching the end of a break feeling like they were busy the entire time, but never properly rested.  

Sleep is a big factor. Shift work, early starts and long swings can disrupt normal routines, making it difficult for workers to immediately switch into recovery mode. Research shows sleep quality is already a challenge for many FIFO workers, which means part of R&R is often spent simply catching up on rest.  

Perhaps the biggest challenge, however, is FIFO workers giving themselves permission to slow down. As several wellbeing resources suggest, the urge to "hit the ground running" as soon as you're home can leave you feeling just as drained as when you left site.  

The workers who seem to get the most from their R&R aren't necessarily doing more. They're finding ways to recover with intention, reconnecting with the people who matter, and creating space to properly switch off before their next swing starts.

How Are Mining Workers Recharging?  

Most experienced FIFO workers don't treat day one as a productivity day. 

Many report using the first part of their break to slow down, catch up on sleep, and give their body time to recover after a swing. FIFO wellbeing guidance also highlights the importance of genuine rest before jumping into social commitments and chores.  

Some FIFO workers describe R&R as essential maintenance. They prioritise sleep and recovery first, knowing they'll enjoy the rest of their break more if they aren't running on an empty tank.  

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Recovery isn't just physical, though. For many workers, the next step is reconnecting with the people they've missed.

Family and Friends Matter More Than Ever  

Across FIFO forums and research, one theme repeatedly appears. Relationships matter. FIFO workers often talk about using R&R to spend quality time with partners, children, friends and family. 

This WA FIFO mental health study found many workers reported feeling isolated and missing important family events while away.  

One mining worker put it simply, "Spend your time on what's important to you because you don't get much of it." For many FIFO workers, that means being fully present with the people who matter most.  

Struggling for things to do when you're home? Try these 26 fun and unusual things to do in Perth. 

Research suggests social connection plays an important role in wellbeing and can act as a protective factor against poor mental health.  

Better Recovery Happens Outside Work  

Workers who switch off well tend to have interests beyond their jobs. 

Mining community discussions frequently mention: 

• Fishing 

• Camping 

• Travel 

• Working on vehicles 

• Personal projects 

• Catching up with mates  

A common theme from FIFO workers is using time off to get back into hobbies and projects that simply aren't possible during a swing. For some it's working on cars, getting outdoors or planning their next trip.  

Having something enjoyable that's separate from work creates an opportunity to mentally reset before returning to site. 

Switching Off Mentally Is Important 

Leaving site doesn't automatically mean you've left work behind. 

Research on recovery shows "psychological detachment" from work, essentially giving your brain permission to stop thinking about work, is strongly linked to wellbeing.  

Most FIFO workers know the feeling of sitting at home while still thinking about: 

• The next swing 

• Rosters 

• Site issues 

• Production targets 

• Safety incidents 

The workers who seem to return feeling refreshed are often the ones who can switch off completely from work. They're focused on family, hobbies, exercise, travel or simply enjoying being home. 

Can't take your mind off work? Cal Newport offers some brilliant ideas in his book, Digital Minimalism. 

Switching off shouldn’t be underrated.  

Final Thoughts on Switching Off After a FIFO Swing  

The FIFO lifestyle comes with unique challenges, and research shows many workers experience higher levels of stress, burnout and poorer sleep than the broader population.  

But when FIFO workers talk about what helps them recharge, the answers are surprisingly consistent. 

They prioritise recovery. They reconnect with family and friends. They invest time in hobbies and interests outside work. And, perhaps most importantly, they give themselves permission to switch off. 

Because the best R&R is about returning to site feeling rested, reconnected and ready for the next swing.

How do you switch off? What tips would you share with somebody who's struggling to take their mind off work? Share them with us and we'll share your tips in this article with full credit to you.  

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