Events

Format: Drop-in, in-person

OHD (Organizational and Human Development) is opening its doors, and you're invited to come explore! Search our curated collection of learning and development books that are perfect if you're looking to dive into new learning materials, revisiting keynote topics, or finding new inspiration.

Bring a colleague (or a few!) to flip through books on well-being, inclusion, leadership, time management, and more. Reconnect with peers, enter a raffle for a conference keynote speaker book, and discover titles to share with your team or community.  You might even find the perfect conversation starter to share with others browsing alongside you.

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.

Format: Online course on LEARN

Understanding the fundamentals of giving and receiving feedback is a crucial first step to being able to experience the process productively. Feedback does not need to be stressful, particularly when a culture of feedback is created within a team. Be part of fostering this culture within your department by gaining awareness of the feedback loop, recognizing when to offer feedback, and how to receive feedback with grace. Participants will also have the opportunity to navigate through practice scenarios, as well as create a document to articulate their own personal feedback preference, which they can share with colleagues, managers or others with whom they work closely.

Format: In-person workshop

As life expectancy increases, retirement is no longer just about financial security - it's about preparing for a new chapter of life that goes beyond the traditional notions of rest and relaxation. Are you ready to start thinking about the non-financial aspects of your retirement?

Join Waterloo alumni Simon Chan (BA ‘98) from Adapt with Intent for or a 3-hour immersive retirement planning workshop on Tuesday, January 20. Spots are limited. Intended for Waterloo staff within 10-15 years of retirement or those supporting someone who is retired/retiring soon.

Format: Online workshop

What is "purpose?" How do our purpose and values affect how we live, work, and interact with others? In this workshop, we will explore the concept of purpose by mapping out our accomplishments, interests and values using the Japanese concept of Ikigai, which means "a reason for being." We will then gain practical tips for finding and discovering our purpose using our personal aspirations. At the end of this workshop, we will develop a personal “Purpose-for-Now” statement that aligns with and reflects our values and goals. 

Format: In-person 

As a new employee at the University of Waterloo, you are encouraged to participate in New Employee Orientation. The University of Waterloo is much more than a place to work, and we want to take this half-day to get to know you and share the Waterloo story with you along with the many supports, resources and development opportunities our diverse and exciting community has to offer. 

Format: Online workshop

Join us for a 45-minute LinkedIn Learning (LIL) Lunch and Learn session designed to help you unlock the full potential of LinkedIn Learning. Whether you're new to the platform or looking to deepen your knowledge, this workshop will provide you with practical tips and strategies to make the most of your learning journey. Come and discover what LinkedIn Learning can do for you and use it to craft your own professional learning journey! 

Note: The topics of each LIL Lunch and Learn session will vary. Our current topics include: 

Topic 1: Introduction to LinkedIn Learning 

Topic 2: Building Your Personal Learning Path with LinkedIn Learning 

Format: In-person workshop January 2026

HR Foundations for Managers are a series of learning modules intended to build awareness and a deeper understanding of how to navigate Human Resources-related processes, procedures, and policies at the University of Waterloo.

These modules are designed to provide insight and guidance, showcasing the information and support available for the HR processes managers are accountable for in support of their teams.

Format: In-person workshop in February 2026

HR Foundations for Managers are a series of learning modules intended to build awareness and a deeper understanding of how to navigate Human Resources-related processes, procedures, and policies at the University of Waterloo.

These modules are designed to provide insight and guidance, showcasing the information and support available for the HR processes managers are accountable for in support of their teams.

Format: Online workshop

HR Foundations for Managers are a series of learning modules intended to build awareness and a deeper understanding of how to navigate Human Resources-related processes, procedures, and policies at the University of Waterloo.

These modules are designed to provide insight and guidance, showcasing the information and support available for the HR processes managers are accountable for in support of their teams.