Fairfield University and Connecticut Psychological Association to host "Anger in the Workplace" breakfast seminar | Press Releases

Anger in the workplace can lead to poor morale, unhealthy working conditions, and even higher medical costs. Indeed, a recent study published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation noted that angry men are at greater risk for stroke or death.

Managers and employees can learn techniques for handling anger at a panel discussion and breakfast hosted by The Connecticut Psychological Association and The Charles F. Dolan School of Business at Fairfield University. "Anger in the Workplace," one in a series of Psychologically Healthy Workplace Best Practices Educational Breakfasts designed to address complex and timely issues affecting psychological health in the workplace common to all organizations in the region, will be held at Dolan School of Business Dining Room at Fairfield University on April 28 from 8:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The interactive panel discussion, featuring both psychologists, business educators and, organizational consultants/trainers, will address strategic plans for managing anger in the workplace, including how to recognize early warning signs of escalating workplace violence and the effective use of verbal responses to de-escalate potential workplace aggression.

"Programs and policies that promote a psychologically healthy workplace can promote a less stressful work environment with higher morale, and improve job satisfaction and employee loyalty," said Jean Stetz-Puchalski, chair of the Educational Events Subcommittee of the Psychologically Healthy Workplace Committee of the Connecticut Psychological Association.

Data suggest that these successful program outcomes can lead to bottom-line savings for companies in terms of decreased absenteeism and turnover, as well as increased productivity and retention of outstanding employees. Furthermore, direct medical, legal and insurance fees may be reduced when workers perceive their employer as concerned about their well-being.

The panel of speakers includes: Donald E. Gibson, Ph.D., associate professor of Management, Charles F. Dolan Business School at Fairfield University and executive director, International Association for Conflict Management; Susan Freedland, Ph.D., licensed psychologist, executive coach, and organizational consultant; E. Lee Lowery, training director, PMT (Physical/Psychological Management Training program) Associates, and Jeffrey Zimmerman, Ph.D., president, Beacon Behavioral Services, LLC, and chair, Psychologically Healthy Workplace Committee, Connecticut Psychological Association. Two American Psychological Association (APA) CEU credits available.

The panel discussion is among a group of programs The Connecticut Psychological Association has engaged in to highlight the importance of the psychologically healthy workplace. The Association, supported by the American Psychological Association, has also been sponsoring The Psychologically Healthy Workplace Best Practices Award for the past four years, and last year initiated an educational series to bring together Connecticut's business and psychological communities to jointly address issues impacting employee well-being and organizational achievement.

Companies can find out how their own programs measure up by registering to apply for the 2004 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Best Practices Award. It is designed to recognize organizations making a commitment to programs and policies that enhance the quality of the work environment for their employees, the awards are granted to large, small, for-profit and not-for-profit organizations based on the following criteria: employee involvement, family support, employee growth and development, and health and safety.

Organizations wishing to apply for the 2004 Psychologically Healthy Workplace Best Practices Award can obtain information and applications at the Connecticut Psychological Association website: www.connpsych.org .

To register for the "Anger in the Workplace" seminar, contact Betty Ann Foy, administrative director, Connecticut Psychological Association, by e-mail at bfoy@connpsych.org , by phone (860)-586-7522, or fax (860) 586-7550. Registration forms may be downloaded from the website www.connpsych.org . Space is limited so R.S.V.P by April 12. The cost is $28.00 per person. However, FREE to all Fairfield University students.

The Connecticut Psychological Association (founded in 1963) provides opportunities for professional growth and the increase and diffusion of psychological knowledge through the exchange of ideas and information, by means of meetings, professional contacts, papers, discussions, and the encouragement of research in psychology.