The FIFO Creature Comforts Many Employers Overlook

What makes a great mine camp? Australia’s FIFO workers have their say.

New survey by MPI reveals 91% of FIFO workers select one of four everyday camp essentials as the single most important feature of life on site.

Mining companies invest millions of dollars every year attracting and retaining skilled workers. Pay often dominates the conversation, but once workers arrive on site, what matters most isn't always what employers think.

Between 3 June and 17 June 2026, MPI Recruitment asked 424 FIFO workers one simple question:

"What's the most important thing for you about a mine camp when choosing a job?"

The results weren’t glamorous or extravagant.

More than nine in ten respondents selected one of four everyday essentials as the single most important feature of camp life.

Good food, a good gym, their own room or a comfortable bed.

The findings suggest that while employers think salary is the main driver to attract people to a role, it's the everyday experience of living away from home that can shape how workers feel about their employer.

Beyond Mining’s Pay Packet

For years, the conversation around attracting FIFO workers has centred on pay.

Competitive salaries are important, and few people would disagree.

But as Australia's mining industry continues to compete for skilled people, employers are increasingly looking for ways to differentiate themselves.

This latest poll suggests the answer may lie in something much simpler.

When people spend weeks away from their partners, children, friends and everyday routines, the quality of the environment they return to after a shift becomes part of their overall wellbeing.

A good meal. A comfortable night's sleep. Space to unwind. The opportunity to exercise. They might be small details on paper, but for many FIFO workers, these creature comforts can make a significant difference to life on site.

What FIFO Workers Value Most

The results paint a remarkably consistent picture.

The standout finding here is how heavily the responses cluster around four basic aspects of everyday life. Collectively, 91% of respondents selected good food, a good gym, their own room or a comfortable bed as the single most important feature of a mine camp.

Just as interesting, were the things workers didn't prioritise. Modern facilities attracted very little attention. Few respondents selected a swimming pool or a reliable WiFi connection.

FIFO workers are looking for an environment that helps them recover, recharge and feel comfortable while they're away from home. Their comments reinforce the numbers.

"Great food is everything. How are you expected to work without it? Some site food is just inedible."

"It has to be a comfortable bed for me. I've stayed on several camps where it would have felt more comfortable sleeping on the floor. It doesn't set you up for a good shift."

"For me, I want my own room, a decent bed and no hot-bedding. Sharing a room with somebody you don't really know is uncomfortable."

Another respondent summed it up simply:

"A quiet room. My own. Preferably one without a build-up of flies."

Another added:

“A good mattress is everything, but I always take my own pillow.”

None of these responses are requests for luxury. People spending extended periods away from home in demanding environments will have practical expectations.

The Findings Mirror Earlier Research

These results build on earlier research conducted by MPI Recruitment.

In our previous article, "What Mining Talent Wants Isn't What Employers Think," conversations with more than 1,200 mining professionals found that leadership, culture and job satisfaction consistently ranked ahead of salary when considering a new opportunity.

This latest poll suggests those priorities don't disappear once a worker accepts an offer.

Instead, they're reflected in the everyday experience of camp life. A well-designed camp won't replace good leadership or meaningful work, but it can reinforce an employer's commitment to the wellbeing of its workforce.

What Australian Mining Employers Can Do to Stand Out

While every workforce is different, the findings highlight several opportunities for employers looking to strengthen their attraction and retention efforts.

1. Ask your workforce what matters most

Rather than assuming what workers value, ask them. Small improvements informed by genuine feedback often have a greater impact than larger investments based on what we think matters to FIFO workers.

2. View camp facilities as part of the employee experience

Food, sleep, privacy and exercise all contribute to recovery between shifts. They form part of the overall employee experience and can influence wellbeing, morale and long-term retention.

3. Focus on the details people remember

Of course, salary gets people through the door. The day-to-day experience on site determines how they remember working for a business. When workers feel comfortable, rested and supported, they're more likely to speak positively about their employer and return for future projects.

Final Thoughts on FIFO Mining Camp Life

The mining industry has made significant progress in improving the employee experience over the past decade. Yet this research serves as a reminder that attracting people is only one part of the equation.

Creating an environment where they can eat well, sleep well, exercise and enjoy a degree of privacy while they're away from home may have a greater impact on retention than many employers realise.

The biggest opportunities can be found in the everyday details that help FIFO workers feel at home, even if they're hundreds of kilometres away from it.

MPI Recruitment Media Enquiries

For additional data, worker commentary, or interview requests, please contact:

Mark Pearce, Communications & PR Manager
MPI Recruitment
mark.pearce@mpirecruitment.au
+61 8 9426 1599

 

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