Case study: psychological and physiological problems of living in remote sites
Terry Fernhead A , Maria Kucherhan A and Amy Irwin BA Sodexo Remote Sites Pty Ltd.
B University of Aberdeen.
The APPEA Journal 54(2) 554-554 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ13127
Published: 2014
Abstract
In 2009, Sodexo in partnership with Aberdeen University’s psychologists conducted a major study about worldwide oil and gas workers. This study focused on psychological and physiological aspects of living in remotes sites and degradation of health and wellbeing status: obesity, addiction, and psychological problems. It was found that these factors are related to quality of life and have an influence on the organisation with a clear link to increased turnover and absenteeism, higher overall health care costs, a potential increase in safety risk, and lower levels of employee engagement. The survey’s insights demonstrated that improving the quality of life of oil and gas workers required the design of an innovative solution for both working periods during the rotation working time and at home (the rest periods). This resulted in Sodexo developing Well Track, a program consisting of three modules:
Fit2: a dedicated coach creates a tailored wellness program for each participant—at work and at home.
Motivation: individual progress is monitored and a reward system contributes to driving their health and wellness improvements.
Home away: workers and their families benefit from a 24/7 virtual concierge service that support their work-life balance.
Well Track has been piloted with success in the North Sea with Dolphin Drilling. A follow-up study by the University of Aberdeen noted measurable improvements in reported levels of exercise, healthier eating, recreation activities, and the satisfaction of workers with their health and well-being.
Terry Fearnhead holds a BSc in industrial engineering from the Northwestern University (US) and an MSc in management from ESCP Europe (France). He presently is the offer development manager in charge of the Well Track program at Sodexo’s entity, specialises in remote sites around the world. Terry previously held roles in strategic planning at Sodexo and in consulting at A.T. Kearney. |
Maria Kucherhan holds a BSc, a Graduate Diploma in Nutrition and Diet, Graduate Diploma in Heath Promotion and an MBA. Maria is presently the marketing director for Sodexo in Australia and is leading the piloting of the Well Track program onshore. Maria has worked as a clinical dietitian however over the past 20 years, her experience has been in fresh product and food services marketing where she has been instrumental in developing and marketing nutritionally balanced offers across various industry sectors. Maria was responsible for leading the nationally recognised ‘2 Fruit n 5 Veg’ campaign. |
Dr Irwin holds a Bachelor in Psychology and a PhD. Dr Irwin commenced her career as a research assistant at the University of Sheffield, leading a major consumer behaviour project. Post completion of this project, Dr Irwin moved to the MRC Institute of Hearing Research at Nottingham University, where she spent the next four years working as a research assistant, PhD student, and research fellow. She is presently a research fellow and teaching fellow at the University of Aberdeen’s Industrial Psychology Research Centre. Dr Irwin’s present research interests are: student employability, medication error, and employee wellbeing. |
