Conference to address workforce challenges

How do local businesses maintain a healthy and resilient workforce while faced with the challenges of increased economic pressures?
These and other issues will be confronted at the Northwestern Ontario Work and Wellness Conference, unveiled Monday by Family Services Thunder Bay.
The theme of the conference is “Survive and Thrive: Promoting Resiliency in your Workplace,” and will feature keynote speakers Nora Spinks and Dr. Louise Hartley at the Valhalla Inn on March 6-7.
It also was announced that Family Services Thunder Bay will unveil its own new organizational image at the conference—the result of a re-branding and marketing strategy currently being developed thanks to Ontario Trillium Foundation funding.
“Maintaining a high level of organizational wellness is directly linked to workplace productivity, yet is becoming less of a priority in today’s economic climate for employers,” said Nancy Chamberlain, executive director of Family Services Thunder Bay.
“Employers and employees participating in the conference will gain practical strategies on how to reduce incidents of stress and sick leave within the workplace, and how to create more healthy working environments.
“It is proven that healthy workplaces make for more prosperous businesses, happier families, and, as a result, stronger communities.”
Areas for discussion at the 2007 Work and Wellness Conference include topics such as substance use in the workplace, the use of workplace computers, bringing nutrition to work, leadership and management styles, and managing work and balancing family time.
“We are also excited about revealing our new Family Services brand and moving forward with an image that better represents our wide range of programs, which includes community counselling as well as corporate development services,” said Chamberlain.
For more registration information, contact Family Services Thunder Bay at 1-807-684-1880, e-mail conference@fstb.net, or visit www.fstb.net