Purdue symposium to share strategies for happier employees
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Business leaders are invited to "unlock the potential of their employees" during Purdue University's Worklife Wellness Employee Assistance Program Symposium May 4-5 in Stewart Center.The second annual symposium, sponsored by Purdue's Worklife Programs, will feature four keynote speakers, including Barry Schreier, Purdue Student Health Center staff psychologist and director of the "One Size Fits All" improv comedy troupe; Shelley MacDermid, professor of child development and family studies and director of Midwestern Work-Family Association; and television personality Zonya Foco, a registered dietician and fitness expert, and Will Miller a former comedian turned author and therapist.
Schreier will demonstrate how to promote an atmosphere of spirit, enthusiasm and high morale in the workplace. The "best of the best" practices in employee supportive workplaces will be examined by MacDermid, and Foco will share how to excel at the workplace without succumbing to poor eating habits. Miller will demonstrate how to alleviate stress while balancing home life with work commitments.
Other sessions will include an exploration of work-family conflict, diet's role in depression, aging employees and implementing smoke-free workplaces. Purdue President Martin C. Jischke and West Lafayette Mayor Jan Mills also are scheduled to speak.
Branna Smith, WorkLife Manager for Purdue, said symposium attendees will be motivated to make their work environments the best they can be.
"Studies show that a positive work environment is key to the retention of top-notch employees," Smith said. "This symposium offers the tools to make that happen."
Smith said the symposium also incorporates humor and fun.
"Employers who attended last year's symposium said they not only came away with tons of information and great ideas, they had a fantastic time," Smith said.
The symposium will take place from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. May 4 and 7:45 a.m. to noon May 5. Registration before March 31 costs $90 for the general public, $50 for Purdue employees and $25 for students. After March 31, the rate is $125 for the general public.
Registrations can be completed online. For more information on registration, contact Erica Wilson, conferences coordinator, at (765) 494-7221, ericaw@purdue.edu.
Writer: Marydell Forbes, (765) 496-7704, mforbes@purdue.edu
Sources: Branna Smith, (765) 496-3084, branna@purdue.edu
Erica Wilson, (765) 494-7221, ericaw@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
Note to Journalists: The media are invited to cover any of the symposium sessions. A complete itinerary can be downloaded.
Related Web site:
Purdue University Conferences
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