Mining companies have long focused on pay, projects, and progression when competing for skilled workers. Yet, new research suggests the key to attracting fly-in fly-out (FIFO) talent could be found in a far more familiar place.
A new survey conducted by MPI Recruitment has revealed that one of four everyday camp essentials is the single most important feature of life onsite as a FIFO worker.
The survey posed the question ‘what’s the most important thing for you about a mine camp when choosing a job?’
According to MPI Recruitment, nine in 10 respondents selected good food, a good gym, their own room, and a comfortable bed as the top four essential features of life onsite.
Out of the 424 FIFO workers surveyed, 140 chose good food as the most important thing onsite. The second most-selected feature was a good gym, followed by own room and a comfortable bed.
These findings suggest that while employers think salary is the main driver to attract people to a role, it’s the everyday experiences of living away from home that can shape how workers feel about their employer.
According to CGS Talent, Australia’s mining industry requires an additional 22,000 production-related workers by 2030 just to meet current project commitment.
This demand cannot be met if fewer young people are choosing careers in mining. This has been highlighted through various studies, including a report by McKinsey which shows a 63% decline in Australian mining graduates from 2014 to 2020.
Previously speaking to Mining.com.au, MPI Recruitment Marketing Business Partner Mark Pearce explained that mining has historically competed on pay, as it’s a repeat cycle that has not been broken.
“Every year, most mining companies carry out salary benchmarking reviews,” Pearce told this news service.
“Salary is tangible [and] can be easily tracked and tweaked. Support, engagement at work, culture, and leadership are harder to quantify.”
FIFO necessities
MPI Recruitment says what workers did not prioritise was just as interesting. Modern facilities attracted very little attention, and few respondents selected a swimming pool or a reliable Wi-Fi connection.
FIFO workers are looking for an environment that can help them recover, recharge, and feel comfortable while they are away from home.
Some of the surveyed respondents commented that “great food is everything. How are you expected to work without it? Some site food is just inedible”.
Another respondent wrote “it has to be a comfortable bed for me. I’ve stayed in several camps where it would have felt more comfortable sleeping on the floor. It doesn’t set you up for a good shift”.
One respondent also wrote “a quiet room. My own. Preferably one without a build-up of flies”.
MPI Recruitment notes that none of these responses are requests for luxury. Workers spending extended periods away from home in demanding environments will have practical expectations.
One part of the equation
These latest findings build on earlier research conducted by MPI Recruitment, which reveals leadership, culture, and job satisfaction are consistently ranked ahead of salary when considering new job opportunities.
As reported, 86% of Australia’s mining workers surveyed were found to be movable, while only 14% are ‘empathetically’ planning to stay put in 2026.
Out of the 217 employees surveyed, 66% prioritise leadership and culture, while only 6% care mostly about pay.
MPI Recruitment’s latest survey 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.
The findings highlight several opportunities for employers looking to strengthen their attraction and retention efforts.
MPI Recruitment says these opportunities include asking the workforce what matters most to them, viewing camp facilities as part of the employee experience, and focusing on the details people remember most.
Although the mining industry has made progress in improving the employee experience over the past decade, this research suggests that attracting talent is only one part of the equation.
Creating an environment where they can eat well, sleep well, exercise, and enjoy privacy while they’re away from their homes may have a greater impact on retention than many employers realise.
MPI Recruitment combines deep mining knowledge with care for candidates and employers it works with. From first-year trainees to senior managers, the company provides personalised guidance and insights.
Write to Aaliyah Rogan at Mining.com.au
Images: Globe 24-7 & MPI Recruitment
