Task 13: Morale Officer

[Prof. Amy Lupin 9]

Journeys aboard a space ship can take weeks, if not months. It’s important to help keep crew motivated and in good spirits. While it’s important to keep the ship operational, over time a crew can become like a family away from home, and it’s important to look out for each one of them.

 

For this task, we’d like you to describe in at least 100 words what you plan on doing to help improve the crew’s wellbeing.

 

Post your submissions below by 23:59 HOL time on 28 February to earn 10 rubies.

[Helenarosequeen Granger 0]

I think I will let the crew play Muggle board games onboard the spaceship and allow them to host gaming tournaments to keep them lively and engage them in the community spirit. I will introduce a music room where they can sing and dance to entertain themselves. I will allow chatting sessions to encourage family-like bonding and engage a doctor and mental health counselor on board. I will make sure that nutritious and healthy food is prepared and the restrooms are comfy so that the crew is always well-fed and well-rested. I will encourage open communication among crew members so that they can discuss their problems.

Edited February 15 by Helenarosequeen Granger

[Galena May 7]

I would ensure enhancing the crew's well-being by making sure that they are healthy and happy. A healthy and happy crew is more productive and communicative, and is also more likely to be united by reducing irritability and squabbles or aggressiveness due to ill-health or mental ill-being. They are living far away from their real families, far away from even their own planet in space (which can be well-likened to adverse conditions and abnormal living conditions), so homesickness, depression, and loneliness are likely to be challenges apart from maintaining physical health and well-being.

I would make sure that the medbay aboard the spaceship is fully functional, well-equipped, and operational 24×7 so that the health of the spacecrew can be taken care of.

I would also have a mental therapist onboard to provide support and alleviate troubles. 

I would keep the entire spaceship regularly cleaned and hygienic for the crew's health to remain top-tier.

I would make sure that the duties of the people aboard are arranged in such a way that no one has either too less or too much work so that everyone can find a healthy and happy balance between work and leisure time, allowing them to overcome both boredom and exhaustion at the same time. I would personally make the rosters and oversee that it is being followed.

I would allow ample time and space for socializing to make sure that no one misses their families a lot and can find second families in each other, and keep the cafeteria and mess hall organized so that people can chat, rest, and build rapport and friendliness as they eat.

I would also encourage open and easy (by using technology that allows easy communication) communication among crew members to keep positive vibes flowing among the crew members, reduce fights and increase peace, and keep spirits high.

I would ensure ample O2 circulation and keep the sleeping quarters comfy so that everyone is healthy, energetic, and well-rested.

I would also have a separate game-room onboard for entertainment of the crew members and allow them to bring space-friendly hobbies onboard. A music room (as said by Helenarosequeen above) also sounds nice to allow music and dancing. Music is known to alleviate sadness and increase happy hormones, making it a must for rejuvenation and happiness onboard. Friendly competitions can be held onboard to keep things exciting.

I would also take care of the crew's overall hygiene, including physical, mental, and spiritual, by introducing yoga, meditation, and motivational pep-talk and therapy sessions to uplift and motivate the crew.

Nutritious food keeps people healthy and tasty food keeps them happy, so having both would be absolutely necessary. I would ensure well-maintained kitchens for the same.

In the end, it remains impossible to replace one's real family and own home planet, so I would make sure that everyone has a chance to send and receive radio messages from space to their families, at least once a week.

Motivation to work aboard the spaceship can come from short-term rewards apart from regular motivational meetings and friendly communication.

Finally, I would personally take care to ask how each person is feeling, take note of their reactions, host regular meetings onboard, and collect feedback to know what's ailing who, so that the crew can voice their unique difficulties and perspectives and help find solutions.

Edited February 17 by Galena May

[River Fenwick 4]

We have three nights a week dedicated to activities to keep the morale up around the ship. Monday nights are board games, with some classics aboard the ship, like Monopoly and Scrabble, though we have bought some around the galaxy to change things up and remind us of our past travels. Votes determine Wednesday night activities, often chosen by events happening, such as a carnival in a nearby colony or even a pitstop to get some sweets from the space stations. Friday nights get a bit rowdy, with the general theme being music, often with karaoke being the night's entertainment (despite the tone-deaf crew members). If crew members want anything else, we put it up for a vote and see if we can gather enough coins for whatever they want to do.

[Scarlet Robloutain 0]

To improve the crew's wellbeing during long space journeys,we're gonna implement a variety of activities and support systems. First, we'll organize regular social events, such as movie nights, game tournaments, and themed dinners. we'll also encourage physical fitness by offering daily exercise sessions in the recreation area, including yoga, strength training, and group sports. However, mental health is equally as important, so we're arrangng virtual counselling sessions and mindfulness workshops to help crew members manage stress and maintain a positive outlook. Additionally, there'll be a suggestion box created where crew members can share their ideas and concerns anonymously. Next, to keep the crew engaged and intellectually stimulated, we'll set up a rotating schedule of educational workshops and guest lectures on various topics, from astronomy to personal development. Lastly, we'll ensure that everyone has access to personal communication devices to stay in touch with loved ones back home.