BREAKOUT SESSIONS
Select any 3 breakout sessions to attend. Each session is 50 minutes with 10 minutes of rotation time.
Session 1: 12:45 - 1:35 PM
Session 2: 1:45 - 2:35 PM
Session 3: 2:45 - 3:35 PM
B R E A K O U T 1:
CREATING A WORKPLACE CULTURE OF CARING AT KING RANCH
– AN EMPLOYER’S PERSPECTIVE –
Robert Underbrink, President and CEO
Sandy Clark, Director of Human Resources
Melissa Rodriguez, Wellness Coordinator
King Ranch has been a leader in workplace well-being in Houston for years. A major agribusiness with a diverse workforce of approximately 1200 employees, the company cultivates a sense of family, has high participation in well-being initiatives and has won numerous awards for its dedication to employees. Learn the steps to build a culture of caring from leadership, human resources and wellness perspectives.
B R E A K O U T 2:
ORGANIZATIONAL STRATEGIES TO ADDRESS MENTAL HEALTH
Cameron Betts, Director of Health Management, Willis Towers Watson
Our nation is facing a mental health crisis characterized by high levels of mental health disorders, chronic stress and burnout. A national consumer survey commissioned by the American Heart Association indicates that employees expect their employers to support mental health as strongly as physical health. Employers can create a culture promoting good mental health by offering a comprehensive set of policies, programs and a supportive environment that reduces the stigma and discrimination associated with mental illness in the workplace. This breakout session focuses on discussing organizational strategies and trends to address mental health to cultivate supportive work environments.
B R E A K O U T 3:
ADDRESSING MENTAL HEALTH THROUGH PROGRAMMATIC APPROACHES*
Karen Hume, Mental Health Consultant, International Initiative for Mental Health Leadership
Many types of evidence-based mental health interventions delivered in the workplace can be effective at improving mental health outcomes. During this breakout session, attendees will review the evidence and key components behind such programs and discuss emerging trends.
*Sponsored by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
B R E A K O U T 4:
CAREGIVING – THE IMPACT ON EMPLOYEE WELL-BEING
C. Grace Whiting, J.D., President and Chief Executive Officer, National Alliance for Caregiving
More than one in six Americans working full-time or part-time report assisting with the care of an elderly or disabled family member, relative, or friend. The majority of caregivers experience work-related difficulties and are more likely to need certain work accommodations. Some may be obligated to quit working altogether. Caregivers are at higher risk for emotional, mental, and physical health problems that come with the added stress of caring for a loved one. This breakout session will cover the impacts of caregiving on employee well-being, challenges employers can face and resources available for employers to address the impacts of caregiving in the workplace.
B R E A K O U T 5:
ADDRESSING PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERNS FOR A HEALTHIER WORKFORCE
Sherri D. Onyiego, MD, PhD, FAAFP, AAHIVS, Chronic Disease Prevention Physician, Harris County Public Health
Chronic diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes, cause seven out of every ten deaths in the United States each year. Social and economic factors, such as where we live, work, play and pray, have a big impact on our health. During this breakout session, you will learn how various programs and services that workplaces can implement to address chronic diseases in order to promote a healthier workforce.
B R E A K O U T 6:
SIT LESS, MOVE MORE*
Marc Hamilton, PhD, Director, Metabolic Innovations at the Texas Medical Center; Professor, University of Houston
Only about one in five adults and teens get enough exercise to maintain good health. Being more active can help all people think, feel and sleep better and perform daily tasks more easily. If you’re sedentary, sitting less is a great place to start. During this breakout session, you will learn the fundamentals of physiology, debunk exercise misconceptions, review the new guidelines for physical activity and discuss how to apply what we know in the workplace.
*Be prepared to walk during this breakout session!
