FIFO life not always lonely, but remote parenting presents challenges
New CQUniversity research has found FIFO parents and partners are no more lonely than the rest of the parenting population.
But the study highlighted parents with a family member working remotely say parenting teamwork and consistency is tougher to achieve.
The research was led by CQUniversity Psychology graduate Rebecca Brown and Associate Professor Matthew Thomas, Deputy Director of CQU’s Appleton Institute for health and wellbeing.
As part of her honours project, Ms Brown studied fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) and drive-in, drive-out (DIDO) workers and their partners to analyse family and wellbeing.
“We know mental health for this cohort can suffer, and impact workplace productivity, general wellbeing, relationships, and even development of workers children,” she said.
“My study actually found both workers’ and partners’ life satisfaction and loneliness were comparable to parents in the Australian community generally – but remote working life does present specific challenges,” she said.
“Respondents reported above-average difficulty with parenting consistency, parents’ emotional adjustment around roster changes, and how family relationships are maintained.
“Interestingly, there was also no correlation between frequent communication and reduced loneliness – so strong and satisfying relationships can be achieved even if partners aren’t frequently in touch during remote working stint.
“The findings highlight the specific supports that remote workers and families might need to thrive, and I hope they can help destigmatise those challenges, and encourage families to seek that help.”
The research heard from 300 people, with average 2.17 dependents, and most workers on a 7/8 days on, 5/6 days off schedule.
The cohort had considerable experience in remote working lifestyle, with 69 per cent FIFO/ DIDO for more than five years.
Ms Brown also found that the cohort reported significantly higher than average life satisfaction when families felt like they’d achieved life adjustments despite the challenges.
Those positive feelings came with better parental teamwork, family relationships and emotional adjustment.
“We know around 70 per cent of Australia’s remote workers have children – so families need to know that strong parenting and relationships are possible, with the right supports.”
If you’re passionate about research to improve health and wellbeing for Australian communities, explore CQUniversity’s research higher degree opportunities.
