b'FLY-IN, FLY-OUTcame home, he was going to be abso-lutely there for them. He cooks breakfast, FIFO: THE POSITIVES lunch, dinner, Morgan says. Hes partic-ipating 100 per cent, so it balances out. Mayners children have even bene-DENISE GAIRDNER, DIRECTOR OF PEOPLE AND CULTURE ATfited from the FIFO routine because it ALBERTA-BASED CIVIL CONTRACTOR BOUCHIER, OUTLINEScompelled them to develop a stronger SOME OF THE KEY ADVANTAGES OF THE FIFO LIFESTYLE. sense of independence, and to take the initiative where needed, such as mowing the lawn and doing minor home repairs. SCHEDULED TIME OFF ANDOn the other hand, Mayner couldnt fly CONSISTENT PERSONAL / FAMILY TIME: home on a whim for school or sports events, which the couple cites as an FIFO workers typically have a clear schedule of work and restobvious downside to the FIFO routine. periods, allowing them to plan their personal time more effectively.That said, this has been the scenario since the kids were born, so they grew up with EXPANDED CAREER that family dynamic and knew no different. PATH PROSPECTS: Still, there were some tough stretches. Working in remote locations can provide unique careerMayner was away for weeks at a time opportunities and the chance to gain experience in areas that teamwhen Morgan was at home with a small members might otherwise not have had. baby, for instance, leaving her maintaining their home singlehandedly. It was a full plate for her and emotionally challenging SUPPORT SYSTEMS:for Mayner as well. When everything went fine, it was fine, he explains. But Bouchier and our client sites provide support services for the teamthere are times when something breaks, members and families of FIFO workers, including EFAP (employeeand thats normally my gigI can pretty and family assistance programs) and social activities, to help themmuch fix anything. So, in those situa-cope with the unique challenges of this lifestyle. tions, Id want to get home to handle it myself, which was stressful. But we had an amazing network of friends and family.Morgan agrees that a strong support and over 60 per cent are FIFO. She addsoverall impact has not been negative. Thesystem at home is crucial to making the that Bouchier offers female empower- couple has raised two children, a son andFIFO arrangement work when there are ment programs and recruitment strate- a daughter, while living the FIFO lifestyle,children involved, as well as working for a gies to encourage attraction, retentioncompany with a supportive culture. The and it has worked out well for them. Inorganization that he works for is one of and growth and development for women. large part thats because in their youngerCanadas leading employers so theres years, their children knew that when Dadgreat communication and I never feel that Onceonboard,BouchiersFIFO employees tend to stay on board: Weve been fortunate to have a vast number of FIFO employees that have chosen to stay with Bouchier for many years, and we currently have well over a hundred team members that are celebrating 10-plus years with us this year. And those are predominantly FIFO employees.IMPACT ON FAMILYWhile the appeal of the FIFO lifestyle on workers and couples can be appreciated, there are more concerns raised when it comes to its impact on children. How do they deal with having a father who is away for long stretches at a time? For Mayner and Morgan this has not been without its challenges but the Wayne Mayner and Annette Morgan both see the positives in raising a family while living the FIFO lifestyle48A CCIB PUBLICATIONSummer 2024'