Mental Illness Awareness Skills for Your Workplace

Presented by Jim Zalud

1,000,000 people in the U.S. miss work each day, due to stress. That converts to over 300 Million lost workdays per year. Can your company afford to be part of this equation? I don’t think so. Depression alone results in more days of disability than heart disease, hypertension, and diabetes. The cost alone to treat mood disorders is around $50 BILLION. Depression that is untreated, undiagnosed, or ineffectively treated, is the number 1 cause of suicide. Do you, your executives, and fellow employees, know how to identify and deal with someone who may be suicidal? 

Mentally healthy workplaces are positive and productive and get the best out of their people. Businesses that actively promote good mental health attract and retain top talent because they’re great places to work. By supporting people with mental health conditions and encouraging openness, they create workplace cultures that are diverse and inclusive. Untreated mental health conditions cost American employers billions every year through absenteeism, reduced productivity and compensation claims. Other effects of a mentally unhealthy workplace include poor morale and staff engagement, high staff turnover and potential penalties for breaches of work health and safety legislation. The business’s reputation is also at risk among potential clients, customers and employees.

The 20 Essential Characteristics of Successful Worksite Wellness Programs

Presented by Dr.Don R. Powell

This talk will address the many factors to be considered in the design and implementation of a successful worksite wellness program. As research on the effectiveness of worksite wellness programs is showing the positive effects for both the employee and organization, it is important to ensure that your program is the best in class. A Harvard study found that companies who provide worksite wellness programs have an average return on investment of $3.27 to 1 due to reduced health-care costs and a return on investment of $2.73 to 1 due to reduced absenteeism. This talk will address the many factors to be considered in the design and implementation of a successful worksite wellness program. It will also examine the issues an organization may face, the array of options a company can choose from, as well as provide the tips and strategies necessary to ensure that the worksite wellness program is successful and ongoing.

Jim Zalud is a 30-year teacher of verbal, non-verbal, and mnemonic skills. Jim has spoken to police departments, colleges, and corporations throughout America. He has completed Law Enforcement Crisis Intervention Training, advanced Forensic Interviewing Training, and is a member of the International Law Enforcement Educators and Trainers Association. He is also the Body Language Expert for the ABC Affiliate WTVO TV-17 in Rockford, Illinois. Jim is the co-author, along with Ann Bumbak, of the book: AUTISM for FIRST RESPONDERS and YOU.

Dr. Don R. Powell is the President and CEO of the URAC Accredited American Institute for Preventive Medicine located in Farmington Hills, Michigan. For 33 years the Institute has been a leading developer and provider of health and productivity management programs. It is internationally recognized for its ability to present health information in a format that employees can easily understand and are motivated to follow; thereby reducing health care costs and absenteeism. Over 13,000 corporations, hospitals, MCOs, unions, and government agencies use its wellness solutions. Some of its clients include Chrysler, Office Depot, CitiBank, Merck, CBS, Lowe’s, BlueCross/BlueShield, the Center for Disease Control, Baylor Medical Center, U.S Army, CIA, and the Department of Health & Human Services.