Think Tank

As the recognized leader in integrated disability and absence management, DMEC organizes Think Tanks that explore current hot topics and develop best practices in the field:

2008 Think Tank: Hitting the Wall: Preventing the Fallout from Extreme Productivity Demands

Given the changes in technology and the hunger that companies have for higher and higher levels of productivity, employees are ready to literally “hit the wall” in terms of the amount of stress they endure on a day-to-day basis and the potential for serious health conditions (both physical like cancer and behavioral/stress). There seems to be no end to the demands both on the clock and in terms of infringement of personal time, where the line between work and personal time is blurred or non-existent.

Industry research has indicated that top drivers of absenteeism are sleep deprivation/fatigue and anxiety/back pain. Health Media determined that it is not that individuals cannot sleep, but that many are working two jobs due to their lack of income and simply are exhausted. Mid-income salaries have not increased in 10 years—while expenses mount, and savings drop. The average person has to do more with less, and it’s important to understand the negative impact.

On the other side: if employers adopt more flexible environments, what is the impact on advancement opportunities? Will employees who set limits be viewed as “less-than-top-performers?” Given the research results that have already proven the detrimental effect of uncontrolled stress, what can employers do to make the workplace a human-friendly environment that limits the negative effects, and also what recommendations can be made for personal lifestyle changes that might offset these bad habits?

2008 Sponsors

Several leading industry suppliers demonstrated their commitment to the advancement of best practices in this area by graciously agreeing to sponsor this event.

2007 Think Tank: Workplace Warriors: Corporate Response to Deployment and Reintegration

One in four U.S. service members in Iraq and Afghanistan are National Guard members and Reservists, the largest deployment of citizen soldiers since World War II. While federal law requires that there is a job waiting when they return to U.S. soil, veterans have found the shift from battlefield to the business world can be traumatic and challenging.

On November 15, 2007, DMEC held its first annual Think Tank to address this important issue. Participants explored the impact—both organizationally and personally—when military, National Guard, and civilian workers are on leave and then return from military action.

2007 Sponsors

Unum