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

There are many different types of goals that we can work towards in our roles: those that are skill or job-related, professional development, personal development, and those aligned to our department or institutional goals. Identifying the difference and priority between these goals, and striking the right balance, can feel challenging. 

This session is designed for managers to come together and learn what the new Performance Development Program means for them and their direct reports. Now that you’ve gained access to the components in Workday, this session offers the opportunity to bring your laptop and engage in a guided, manager level conversation with your peers for a deeper dive into the performance development process. 

Format: In-person workshop

Looking for quick guidance on your career development, growth opportunities, or application materials? Drop‑in career support is a flexible, open-format space where University of Waterloo employees can bring their questions, ideas, and career-related materials for on‑the‑spot, in-person support. 

These drop-ins are informal, unstructured, and first‑come, first‑served. There is no presentation, just a knowledgeable career advisor available to help. 

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, June 19 at noon to be considered!