Background
"Positive psychology" aims at facilitating the understanding, promotion and practice of human flourishing. A central tenet is that health and well-being are more than just the absence of ill-health and ill-being. Thus, they should be examined in their own right and their own perspectives. Common research topics in positive psychology are the processes of human flourishing and optimal functioning (e.g. flow, motivation, engagement) and how these processes relate to health, balance and meaningful lives. By understanding the basic elements of positive psychology, we can gain broader and more holistic understanding of human beings.

In work and organizational settings, positive psychology contributes not only to the understanding of how to prevent disability and sick-leave but also to inspire strategies for promoting long term health, effectiveness and productivity. Moreover, positive psychology concerns the influence and enhancement of motivation, initiative, engagement and commitment in employees. These aspects constitute an important competitive edge, especially in knowledge management companies and organizations.

Objectives
The course focuses on positive psychology at work. Some of the top researchers and specialists share their knowledge and experience on different aspects of this topic.
For example, the course covers concepts such as healthy organizations and health promotion in theory and practice, motivation and engagement, and servant leadership.

Main topics
• Theoretical relationships and associations between the above concepts
• Proposing and discussing methodological issues and effective and innovative intervention strategies
• Work engagement
• Flourishing work teams
• Promoting innovativeness
• Positive leadership strategies
• Promoting long-term health in the workplace

Target group
Researchers, PhD students, practitioners working within occupational health or human resource management, and organizational consultants.

Course structure and working method
The course will consist of lectures, group work and discussions.

Course committee
Wilhelm Borg, National Research Centre for the Working Environment, Denmark
Marit Christensen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Jari Hakanen, PhD, Finnish Institute of Occupational Health, Finland
Ulrika Lundberg, PhD, Sweden
Wilmar Schaufeli, University of Utrecht, The Netherlands

Lecturers
Professor Wilmar Schaufeli, PhD, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
Marit Christensen, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway
Associate Professor Dirk van Dierendonck, PhD, Rotterdam School of Management, The Netherlands
Hannakaisa Länsisalmi, PhD, Director of Organization & Talent Development Devices, Nokia, Finland
Willem van Rhenen, PhD, ArboNed Utrecht, The Netherlands
Professor Marisa Salanova, PhD, Jaume I University, Castellón, Spain
Lisa Vivoll Straume, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Norway

Accommodation and location
The course venue is the Conference Hotel Sannäs Manor, which is a modern conference centre with ancient glory located in Porvoo, only 60 km east of Helsinki. Accommodation has been reserved for the participants at the conference hotel. The total price of a single room with full board is EUR 635/person, starting Monday morning and closing with lunch on Thursday. The price includes accommodation, breakfast, conference coffees, lunch and dinner as well as the social programme. For arrival on Sunday an additional cost of EUR 142/person will be charged; this includes accommodation and get-together dinner on Sunday evening. A day-package is also possible: price EUR 45/ person including conference coffees and lunch buffet. Please contact the course coordinator for other options. The price and the programme are subject to minor changes.
The hotel offers modern conference facilities, activities in the nature and delicacies from their own restaurant. For more information please visit the website of the hotel www.sannaskartano.fi

A confirmation letter with detailed information on payment of accommodation as well as information about the practical arrangements will be sent to the participants after the registration deadline.

Registration deadline
17 July 2009. The maximum number of participants is 30.

Registration fee
EUR 450 (accommodation and meals are not included in this price)
When paying the registration fee, please indicate:

 
1. Your name, 2. registration fee, 3. course code 4906. 

The payment should be made four weeks before the start of the course to:
NIVA
Nordea Bank Finland Plc
Meilahti Branch, Tukholmankatu 2
FI-00250 Helsinki , Finland
Account no: 226238-2043
IBAN: FI79 2262 3800 0020 43
Swift code: NDEAFIHH

Please, note that if you cancel your participation later than four weeks before the start of the course, without an acceptable reason (e.g. illness) the organiser is obliged to charge a cancellation fee of EUR 273.

Language
The language of the course is English.

Course leaders
Ulrika Lundberg, PhD
Utgårdsgatan 41 B
SE - 504 47 Borås, Sweden
E-mail: lundberg.ulrika@hotmail.com

Jari Hakanen, PhD
Finnish Institute of Occupational Health
Centre of Excellence for Work Organizations Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A
FI- 00250 Helsinki, Finland
Tel. +358 30 474 2453
Fax +358 9 2413496
E-mail: jari.hakanen@ttl.fi

Course coordinator
Siv Jansson
NIVA
Topeliuksenkatu 41 a A
FI- 00250 Helsinki, FINLAND
Tel. +358 30 474 2488
Fax +358 30 474 2497
E-mail: siv.jansson@ttl.fi

Yes I want to register to the course