Events

Format: Online workshop

More and more people are finding themselves caught between the conflicting demands of taking care of aging family members, while at the same time raising children, members of this “sandwich generation” may experience a considerable amount of stress. Learning to weigh the needs of multiple generations within one family is one of the most difficult parts of caregiving and continuing to attend to one’s own emotional needs is vital to avoid chronic stress and burnout. 

Format: Online workshop

Today’s life is fast-paced and we all experience unique challenges, which may come in the form of societal pressures, pressure to do more, exposure to troubling global, local and personal situations, worry over family and friends or concern for our own well-being. In the face of life’s challenges, it is even more important for us to learn the art of relaxation and practice self-care. This session will explore personal stress triggers and review some practical, easy techniques to equip participants with brief relaxation moments that are such an important tool for coping during challenging times.

Format: In-person workshop
 

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. 

Format: In-person class

Give your mind and body a break! Yoga Nidra is a style of meditation/relaxation that can be an effective way to reset during the workday. In this in-person session, facilitator Monika Kitor will explain what yoga Nidra is, how it works, and the importance of rest for our bodies and how rest works against stress during the day. Then Monika will lead everyone through a short Nidra session and debrief. This session is done lying down to help ease the body.

Note: Due to the tranquil environment needed for this session, we are requesting that participants arrive no later than 11:20 a.m.

Format: Online course on LEARN

Emotional intelligence encompasses the personal, emotional, and social abilities and skills which allow us to succeed in coping with environmental demands and pressures. Those with high emotional intelligence readily recognize their feelings, manage their reactions, and build positive interactions with others. In this guided asynchronous course, we will unpack what emotional intelligence is. Then, we’ll learn to develop our emotional intelligence to improve our personal resilience and performance, and learn to apply the appropriate emotions skillfully at the appropriate time.

Format: In-person class

Take a break from work and move your body with an introductory swing dance lesson. A cultural phenomenon that developed in the early 20th century, it had a worldwide resurgence in the late 90’s and has been going strong since. We’ll get comfortable with dance posture, pulse, and moving around the dance floor. We’ll dance to some great swing tunes, focusing on contemporary black artists who helped shape the music and culture of this dance.  

Note: dance/partner roles will not be gender-specific 

Format: In-person workshop

In a work environment as big as University of Waterloo, we want to offer intentional space for employees in non-supervisory roles to come together to collectively think through how broader university culture and direction impacts them. Leadership Lab: Personal Leadership aims to bring individual contributors together to explore how they can lead themselves, and others by example, all while receiving and providing each other with compassionate care. 
 

Spring 2025 theme - Thinking Creatively about Career Development 

Format: Online session

Everyone feels much better after a good night’s sleep; our thoughts are clearer, our reactions faster, and our emotions are less fragile. This session will introduce participants to the effects of sleep deprivation and review some key strategies to promote healthy sleeping habits. Join us for this one-hour virtual session provided by Homewood Health.

Format: In-person workshop
 

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. 

Format: In-person workshop

Back by popular demand, GROOVE is a group dance experience where the moves are simple, the music is energizing, and no dance experience is necessary. It’s all about having fun in a space where everyone belongs. Cindy Howe, your facilitator, will UNITE everyone in simple movements and rhythms where you get to dance it your own way. You can’t get it wrong! Your way is the right way!