Human Capital recently reported survey findings that predicted an increase in salaries and employee benefits as organisations strive to combat the deepening skills shortage. In this challenging climate, having an effective reward and recognition strategy in place is one way organisations can retain their competitive advantage.

Insufficient feedback and recognition in the workplace can be a major cause of employee disengagement. HR Summit director Stephanie Campanale said it was important to set clear expectations of employee performance and to recognise when these expectations were met.

"In today's high-pressure working environments it's easy to let positive feedback fall under the radar," said Campanale. "This has emerged as a key issue that HR professionals are addressing in order to ensure high productivity and engagement levels."

At the 9th annual HR Summit Melbourne, to be held on 27-28 July 2011, delegates will learn skills and strategies to optimise reward and recognition practices. Christine Fitzherbert, executive director of HR and workplace development at Melbourne Health, will discuss a holistic approach to employee engagement, focusing on feedback, formal and informal reward initiatives and how HR can achieve measurable outcomes in this area.

The HR Summit Melbourne will bring together industry leaders to discuss the future of the HR profession. A range of topics will be addressed including how to position HR as a true business partner, implementing new media employer branding and recruitment campaigns, and strategies to combat workplace bullying and harassment.

Online registrations for the event are open at http://melbourne.hrsummit.com.au. Every paid registrant will go in the draw to win a Team Building experience for 10 from RedBalloon worth $400.