“We Are a Family Out Here”: Team Belongingness as a Resource for the Wellbeing of Fly-In-Fly-Out Workers on a Remote Construction Site in Australia

Abstract

The mining and construction industries are vital to Australia’s economy, but are also characterized by demanding fly-in-fly-out (FIFO) arrangements that present unique psychosocial hazards. Drawing on the job demands-resources framework and conservation of resources theory, this study explores how team belongingness is shaped and how it helps workers manage the unique demands of FIFO work. Using an arts-based qualitative approach, 53 Draw, Write, Reflect sessions were conducted with FIFO workers on a remote mine site under construction. Thematic analysis revealed that team belongingness acted as a salient social and emotional buffer, with participants describing their teams as their ‘family away from home.” Laughter, humor, and banter were central mechanisms for fostering a sense of team belongingness and making long shifts more manageable. Everyday acts of mutual support and care further strengthened camaraderie across roles and hierarchies. However, the study also found that experiencing a sense of belongingness was more challenging for some managers and operators who felt isolated due to job demands and site structures. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing team belongingness as a core wellbeing resource that enables FIFO workers to cope with the unique demands of their work and sustain long-term participation. This has important implications for policy initiatives and organizational strategies for fostering inclusive team cultures to support safety and wellbeing.