How the right physical spaces can improve the morale of military personnel
The impact of the physical environment on serving military personnel cannot be overstated. Health, wellbeing, and overall morale are significantly affected by the lived experience on base, and while maintaining these factors has posed challenges, it has also presented an opportunity to improve recruitment and retention with significant cost-saving implications. Read this case study to find out how our solution-Village- utilised these opportunities.
A multi-functional hub for the Whole Force
Discover how Sodexo and the Ministry of Defence developed a multi-functional social hub that puts the wellbeing at the heart of life on base.
Village is a stylish, future-proofed hub unlike anything else on the Ministry of Defence estate. Everything about it is tailored to the needs and priorities of each unique location and the community it serves. Download the case study to find out what made Village an award-winner at the prestigious IWFM Impact Awards 2021.
A growing body of evidence shows what many in the forces have long understood - a strong, cohesive team made up of physically and mentally-fit individuals is vital to operational capability.
Although, Armed Forces Continuous Attitudes Surveys have identified low morale and feelings of isolation, with the 2019 edition reporting that 54% of personnel were not satisfied with service life. A lack of camaraderie had a clear impact on effectiveness.
In response, Sodexo worked with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) to better understand the lived experience on base and identify new ways to improve it.
We commissioned Ipsos MORI to conduct detailed research into the challenges people were facing. It showed those feelings of isolation were worsened by a lack of community spirit, largely because there were few opportunities to socialise in welcoming environments on-base.
Insights from the AFCAS showed a low sense of community and boredom among our serving personnel, so it was really important to create an environment where they would genuinely wish to spend their time.
Designing spaces fit for the future of the forces
Detailed discussions and interactive workshops with serving members from all three services led us to believe a new kind of physical environment could reduce boredom and isolation, breathing new life into a base and impacting the lived experience of the whole force positively.
As Alex Crawford, Marketing Manager at Sodexo Government, explains, flexibility was essential. This was especially the case for junior ranks personnel, who have fewer transport options available to them, and are therefore more likely to remain on-base.
“Junior personnel are told where to go and when to go there and how long to stay for, and their daily lives are often quite mapped out for them. So, when they do have downtime, it is important that they feel comfortable.”
We worked alongside the MoD and interior and architectural design agency, Design at Source, to create a space which provides that comfort and flexibility. People told us they wanted somewhere they could relax and access quality food without the need to go off base, but also somewhere they could work and study informally.
It was important that the space accommodated not only service personnel, but their families as well. Truly future-proofing meant recognising the importance of the participation of families and the impact this could have on wellbeing. Contractors, civilians, welfare officers and others would all need to feel included and part of the team.
