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.
