Workshop

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.

Format: In-person workshop

As flexible and hybrid work takes shape in practice this year, meaningful dialogue – not guidelines alone – will determine how well teams adapt, collaborate, and thrive. Making Flexibility Work: Conversations that Matter is an interactive workshop designed to equip people leaders with the skills, tools, and shared language needed to navigate shifting expectations with clarity, trust, and connection. 

Intended Audience: Staff members who have direct supervisory reports. Please note: This offering has been designed to be audience specific. Participants WITHOUT direct supervisory responsibility are encouraged to register for the Leadership Lab: Personal Leadership offerings.    

Format: In-person workshop 

As flexible and hybrid work take shape in practice this year, meaningful dialogue – not guidelines alone – will determine how well teams adapt, collaborate, and thrive. Making Flexibility Work: Conversations that Matter is an interactive workshop designed to equip employees with the skills, tools, and helpful language needed to navigate shifting expectations with clarity, trust, and connection. 

Intended Audience: Staff members who do NOT have direct supervisory reports. 
Please note: This offering has been designed to be audience specific. Participants WITH direct supervisory responsibility are encouraged to register for the Leadership Lab: People Leadership offerings.    

Format: In-person and online workshop options

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 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: Two-day, in-person workshop

Are you looking to improve your facilitation skills - either for the presentations you do or for the meetings you lead? Do you want to be more mindful of how social inequities play out and how you can intentionally embed tools and practices within your facilitation style, which will help address these harmful dynamics?

This two-day, in-person program is designed to support skill-building through a mix of demonstration, tangible tips, discussion, and hands-on practice to tailor facilitation to your specific audience. 

Apply by Friday, October 17 at noon to be considered!

Format: Online session

Back by popular demand, join chefs Mari-Beth Davis and Donna Shin for another fun-filled virtual lunch session—this time with a focus on sustainable recipes! In this interactive virtual cooking class, participants will make roasted broccoli soup and brunch casserole with day-old bread, eggs, and vegetables found in their fridge.  

Format: In-person workshop

Change is constant, but how we lead through it can either fuel us or accelerate burnout. In this interactive Leadership Lab: People Leadership, we’ll explore the dual challenge leaders face: guiding teams through ongoing uncertainty while protecting their own energy and capacity. 

Together, we’ll reflect on the impact of change, identify the signs of burnout (in ourselves and our teams), and share practical strategies for creating stability, focus, and support while navigating shifting priorities. Through personal reflection and group discussion, participants will gain tools to help them lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose – without sacrificing wellbeing. 

Format: In-person workshop

Change is constant, but how we lead through it can either fuel us or accelerate burnout. In this interactive Leadership Lab: Personal Leadership, we’ll explore the dual challenge leaders face: guiding teams through ongoing uncertainty while protecting their own energy and capacity. 

Together, we’ll reflect on the impact of change, identify the signs of burnout (in ourselves and our teams), and share practical strategies for creating stability, focus, and support while navigating shifting priorities. Through personal reflection and group discussion, participants will gain tools to help them lead with clarity, empathy, and purpose – without sacrificing wellbeing.