Determinants of Employee-turnover Intentions in Atypical Employment: The FIFO Mining Industry in Western Australia

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Date
2014
Authors
Brown, Alan
Susomrith, Pattanee
Sitlington, Helen
Scott, Glenda
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National Institute of Labour Studies
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Abstract
"In the Western Australian mining sector, a significant portion of the workforce (at least 50 per cent) is employed in fly-in fly-out (FIFO) arrangements. This involves flying to isolated mining sites and working consecutive days usually for 11 or 12 hour shifts and returning home after a period of time (days or weeks). Such employment presents unique stresses on employees and at the same time offers significant opportunities such as high pay levels. During a decade of substantial growth in the industry, high levels of employee turnover have been experienced. This article examines the individual and organisational factors which contribute to this turnover. A questionnaire was used to measure employee views about their job and company, along with their intentions to stay or quit their job. This was administered in an iron-ore company with FIFO work arrangements. Findings show both organisational factors (rosters, supervisors, managers, and company culture) and personal factors (career goals and family circumstances) can influence turnover intentions."
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Brown, A., Susomrith, P., Sitlington, H., Scott, G., 2014. Determinants of Employee-turnover Intentions in Atypical Employment: The FIFO Mining Industry in Western Australia. Australian Bulletin of Labour, Vol.40 No. 2, pp. 116-137