(From The National Business Review) -- The government has announced a fresh initiative to boost workplace productivity.

The new 'High Performance Working' initiative will provide a pool of $1m per year to fund a network of specialist business consultants, who will work with businesses to promote more effective use of time and skills in the workplace.

"Achieving greater employee engagement and developing sound workplace practices is crucial to growing a successful business," Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson said in a release today.

It is expected that about 70 firms per year will receive between $10,000 - $15,000 in consultant services under the new scheme, which is designed to complement New Zealand Trade and Enterprises's new training and development voucher programme.

Read more.