International experts from the USA & New Zealand will join the head of the Federal Government's Preventative Health Task Force and the CEO of WorkHealth Victoria, to look at improving the health of Australia's work force.

According to Sean Sullivan, President and CEO, IHPM, "Health and productivity management is the newest and most promising strategy for improving the value of an organization's human capital - it's people - and their contribution to overall productivity and global competitiveness. Regardless of national health care financing systems, "HPM" is universally grasped because it makes the obvious common sense connection between employees' health and their performance at work and value to the enterprise.

The three essential elements of the HPM "logic chain" are: 1. identifying the most critical health issues associated with lost productivity on the job; 2. implementing programs to reduce the health risk factors and manage the chronic diseases causing those losses in productivity; and 3. measuring the improvements in health and resulting gains in productivity from these interventions. This makes HPM a valuable business strategy, enabling employers to show a good total return on investments in their employees' health.

Australia has been quick to comprehend and begin adopting HPM, led by a forward-thinking corporate health services sector that is backed by good academic as well as practical field research with employers - and supported by public officials who understand the value of HPM as a strategy both to improve the health of the nation and give it a global competitive edge."

The Congress will attract leading health management professionals from throughout Australia and New Zealand. Topics this year include case studies from Rio Tinto addressing the challenge tougher economic times have caused corporate health, Assure Programs will address engaging employees in building resilience and reducing stress and Leonie Young, CEO of Beyond Blue who will explore the impact of depression and anxiety in the workplace. Greg Tweedly, CEO of WorkHealth, will address the Victorian WorkHealth initiative, currently being rolled out.

The two day Congress is expected to draw over 200 senior executives and human resource directors. With both international and Australian speakers, it provides a unique and timely occasion to focus companies' attention on the 'asset value' of their workforce, how to develop a healthy work profile and identifying & implementing the best health interventions.

The Australian Health & Productivity Management Congress will take place from the 10-11 August 2009, Melbourne. The Congress is being organized by the Institute of Health & Productivity Management (IHPM) and the Health & Productivity Institute of Australia (HAPIA).

Further information visit www.ahpmcongress.com.au or call Melanie Robertson, Interpoint Events,
+ 61 2 9660 2113