Events

Format: Virtual keynote; In-person viewing room available

For a Keeping Well at Work special virtual event, join us for an interactive morning with guest keynote speaker Loretta J. Ross to learn about the concept of calling people in, from her recent book, as a helpful tool when conflict arises.

Participants will explore “how to start making change with those you’d rather cancel,” and ways we, as a society, can incorporate new practices of reducing harm through conversations focused on shared values and connection, rather than punishment.

Open to all Waterloo staff!

Format: In-person and online workshop options

Managers and leaders play a key role in building a culture of flexibility by guiding and supporting teams through shifting expectations, fostering trust and accountability, and ensuring service excellence while thoughtfully incorporating flexibility where it makes sense. 

This session will help managers explore their role in creating a culture of trust, inclusion, and connections while balancing operational needs. Participants will gain strategies for navigating challenges such as perceptions of equity, performance, development and complex work requests, using decision-making approaches grounded in our values, clear communication and practical tools.  

Format: In-person workshop

Join us for a beginner-friendly dot painting workshop designed to support your wellness through creative mindfulness. During this 90-minute session, you will get step- by-step guide to learn different dot painting techniques and create your own mandala designs on wooden coasters.

This hands-on session offers you a peaceful break from daily routines while encouraging self-expression and presence in the moment. No prior experience is needed—just bring your curiosity and enjoy the process.

Format: Online workshop

Formerly known as Exploring Your VIA Character Strengths. Knowing your character strengths and how to use them is essential to your career growth and development. In this workshop, we will explore our personal strengths using the VIA Character Strengths assessment tool. We will explore how our strengths can be used in new ways at work and at home. Finally, we will learn how to spot and appreciate the strengths of others, including our colleagues, to create stronger connections with them. 

Format: In-person and online workshop

Flexibility in the workplace involves adapting routines, expectations, and ways of working to make the most of both on-campus presence and flexible arrangements. Employees contribute to a culture of flexibility by building trust, communicating openly, supporting colleagues, and taking accountability for their role in supporting team and organizational success. 

This session will help participants navigate shifting expectations while maintaining strong communication, connections, and collaboration. Employees will gain strategies for balancing personal well-being with productivity, and for contributing to a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability within their teams. They will also explore engaging in effective conversations with managers about flexible work needs and arrangements.  

Format: In-person and online workshop

Flexibility in the workplace involves adapting routines, expectations, and ways of working to make the most of both on-campus presence and flexible arrangements. Employees contribute to a culture of flexibility by building trust, communicating openly, supporting colleagues, and taking accountability for their role in supporting team and organizational success. 

This session will help participants navigate shifting expectations while maintaining strong communication, connections, and collaboration. Employees will gain strategies for balancing personal well-being with productivity, and for contributing to a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability within their teams. They will also explore engaging in effective conversations with managers about flexible work needs and arrangements.  

Format: In-person workshop

Whether giving or receiving feedback, executing the process well can feel daunting if you’re not prepared. Taking time to think through and refine how to deliver feedback to a colleague can set both of you up for a successful, beneficial conversation. This practical, experiential workshop will focus on tools, reflection and discussion that participants can use in their professional and personal lives.

Format: In-person and online workshop

Flexibility in the workplace involves adapting routines, expectations, and ways of working to make the most of both on-campus presence and flexible arrangements. Employees contribute to a culture of flexibility by building trust, communicating openly, supporting colleagues, and taking accountability for their role in supporting team and organizational success. 

This session will help participants navigate shifting expectations while maintaining strong communication, connections, and collaboration. Employees will gain strategies for balancing personal well-being with productivity, and for contributing to a culture of trust, inclusion, and accountability within their teams. They will also explore engaging in effective conversations with managers about flexible work needs and arrangements.  

Format: In-person workshop

Whether you're a seasoned gamer or just curious to learn more, this hands-on workshop invites you to explore how play brings people together in the new Warrior Esports and Gaming Lounge. From casual competitions to gaming nights, digital play spaces like gaming lounges on university campuses are helping build inclusive communities, and support mental wellness for students and staff alike. Now it’s your turn to try it out!

Join Greg Mittler and Anna Tian from Athletics and Recreation to explore how gaming and esports can contribute to well-being by offering opportunities for stress relief, identity expression, creativity, and community engagement while playing a range of games.

Format: In-person workshop on October 7; virtual workshop on December 4
 

At the University of Waterloo, our values are more than words on a page. They represent a commitment to build on our existing strengths while identifying areas to evolve. This interactive workshop invites participants to explore, reflect on, and align with our values to think differently, act with purpose and work together. Through guided activities, meaningful dialogue, and real-world scenarios, participants will unpack what it means to challenge the status quo, take purposeful action, and foster intentional collaborations.  

Whether you’re a longtime UWaterloo employee, leader, or new to campus, this session will spark fresh thinking and help you connect your work to the impact we strive to make. 

You're welcome to bring and eat your lunch during the first half of the session; the last 20 minutes will include more interactive components so you can engage with fellow participants.