diff --git a/.gitea/workflows/gentoo-utils.yml b/.gitea/workflows/gentoo-utils.yml
index 056daa6..1fc4911 100644
--- a/.gitea/workflows/gentoo-utils.yml
+++ b/.gitea/workflows/gentoo-utils.yml
@@ -4,7 +4,11 @@ on: [push]
 
 defaults:
   run:
-    shell: bash -l {0}
+    shell: bash -el -o pipefail {0}
+
+# fixes rare instances of git commands failing because TERM isnt set
+env:
+  TERM: xterm
 
 jobs:
   build-oci-image: