Recently, George Suess, CEO of The Arc of Delaware County (Delarc) spoke at the Third International Conference on Violence in the Health Sector, which was held in Vancouver, British Columbia. Work related aggression and violence within the health and social services sector are major problems which threatens worker’s health, compromise organizational effectiveness, diminish the quality of working life for staff and impact negatively on the provision and quality of care.
The conference was organized, sponsored and attended by individual professionals and organizations from around the world. Forty five countries were represented at the conference, including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Ireland, the U.K., India, South Korea, and several other countries from Asia, Africa and South America.
In addition to examining the human, professional and economic impact of violence in the health care sector, the specific aim of the conference was to promote effective and sustainable initiatives and strategies to create safe environments. It also intended to present initiatives which respond to the problem, and are transferable to broader service and geographic contexts. Mr. Suess’ presentation, Shift Happens, Making the Shift to a Proactive Philosophy and Positive Approach, addressed both of these priorities. Based on his best-selling book, Shift Happens, Making the Shift to Proactive Behavior Management, he shared how effective the Shift Happens model has been in virtually eliminating violence and abuse at Delarc, and how organizations across the country are transferring these key concepts to their operations to similarly reduce violence and improve quality of care.
“Delarc has become a leader in the rehabilitation community as a direct result of our Shift Happens approach. We have witnessed similar organizations from across the country make significant improvements in their operations based on our consulting and trainings services”, Suess said. “This Conference was an opportunity to determine if the lessons we have learned and the systems we have designed have relevance for those in other work places. The response of the audience was distinctly affirmative. Whether it was about the importance of building a powerfully positive work place culture, selective hiring practices, innovations in orientation and training, or progressive supervision the audience response couldn’t have been better.” he added.
To learn more about the results Delarc produces and positive implications for organizations in Delaware County, go to www.delarc.org. To schedule a visit or consultation, call 607-865-7126.
