Events

Format: In-person event

For a Keeping Well at Work special event, join us, in partnership with the Cultivating Talent: A Mentorship Collective, for an interactive morning with guest speaker Natalie Stuart from Connect2You to learn about building your personal brand, ways to invest in cultivating meaningful connections with others, and strategies to ensure you are gaining access to a diversity of perspectives throughout your personal and professional life.

Open to all Waterloo staff interested in learning about building their personal brand, cultivating meaningful connections, and leveraging diverse perspectives to grow professionally are invited to join this engaging and interactive session.

Format: Hybrid conference

The Waterloo Staff Conference is an annual two-day learning and development opportunity designed exclusively for staff to attend for free at Waterloo. Featuring employee-led workshops and expert keynote speakers, the conference is hosted by Human Resources' Organizational and Human Development (OHD) team and made possible through the Staff Excellence Fund. 

Upwards of 1500 staff members participate every year, and it’s a wonderful way to delve into new topics, reflect on your own professional growth, and connect with colleagues from across all our campuses.

To celebrate Indigenous Peoples History Month and Pride Month, the Office of Indigenous Relations (OIR) and the Keeping Well at Work (KW@W) program are excited to welcome Kai Potts for a special event on June 18.

Kai is a proud Two-Spirit community builder with a big heart and a lot to say. Whether he's sharing stories about Indigenous identity, queerness, fashion, or his favourite video games, Kai brings humour, insight, and authenticity to every conversation.

Format: In-person

Personality Dimensions has been a foundational tool used in the exploration of self and others. Since 2007, hundreds of employees and students at the University of Waterloo have utilized the knowledge gained through this tool for self-awareness and professional development. It’s time to take that learning one step further. Utilizing the Professional Report, participants will learn about the characteristics and workstyles of the four temperament types while customizing their leadership style to better understand that no two people are the same and what motivates one, may not motivate the other. This workshop can help participants tailor their leadership approach to suit individual needs and preferences and boost team engagement.       

Format: Online workshop

This session will explain how your UW Pension is determined, provide details about UW programs available for you to apply for leading up to your retirement, and outline the eligibility requirements for post-retirement benefit coverage. There will be an opportunity to ask questions during this session. 

Format: In-person workshop

Join us for a unique workshop focused on mindful creativity in the workplace. Join facilitator and artist Zack Sandor-Kerr to explore his reverse colouring book experiences, where you doodle and draw over beautiful blobs of shape and colour. In the workshop, we will learn and develop some tools for mindful creativity, and experience the refreshing and mood-boosting power of a mid-day art break.

If you hear “making art” and typically run the other way, this session is especially for you. No experience or (perceived) skill is required. Just come and doodle.

All participants will receive their own copy of Zack’s “Not A Colouring Book.”

Format: Online session

Hear about Waterloo staff member Jennifer Murray's individual mental health journey with Depression, what she wished she had known and done differently, and how she manages her mental health now. Though this journey is unique, as are everyone’s mental health needs, it may provide some insights into what to watch for and what might help in your own journey. Also, learn what support is available at the university for those navigating their own mental health from Occupational Health. 

Disclaimer: 

This session discusses sensitive mental health topics, such as suicidal ideations, which may be unsettling. If needed, please seek professional support. 

Support is available to university community members, including the Employee and Family Assistance Program (for employees), Counselling Services (for students) and 211Ontario (for everyone).

Format: Online workshop

Curious about how our values of Think Different, Act with Purpose, and Work Together came to life? Join us for an engaging and interactive virtual round table where you’ll explore each of these values and share your insights with colleagues from across the university.

This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a conversation. After a brief introduction to our newly launched values and a peek into the collaborative process behind them, you’ll dive into lively discussions at virtual tables (MS Teams breakout rooms). You’ll have the chance to reflect, connect, and discover ways these values can shape your work and interactions. Bring your thoughts, your questions, and your creativity as we come together to make these values part of our everyday experience.

Format: Online workshop

Curious about how our values of Think Different, Act with Purpose, and Work Together came to life? Join us for an engaging and interactive virtual round table where you’ll explore each of these values and share your insights with colleagues from across the university.

This isn’t just a workshop—it’s a conversation. After a brief introduction to our newly launched values and a peek into the collaborative process behind them, you’ll dive into lively discussions at virtual tables (MS Teams breakout rooms). You’ll have the chance to reflect, connect, and discover ways these values can shape your work and interactions. Bring your thoughts, your questions, and your creativity as we come together to make these values part of our everyday experience.

Format: In-person workshop

Join us for a unique workshop focused on mindful creativity in the workplace. Join facilitator and artist Zack Sandor-Kerr to explore his reverse colouring book experiences, where you doodle and draw over beautiful blobs of shape and colour. In the workshop, we will learn and develop some tools for mindful creativity, and experience the refreshing and mood-boosting power of a mid-day art break.

If you hear “making art” and typically run the other way, this session is especially for you. No experience or (perceived) skill is required. Just come and doodle.

All participants will receive their own copy of Zack’s “Not A Colouring Book.”