Workshop

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.

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

Conflicts stem from many different sources. Understanding when and how to apply a variety of different conflict resolution strategies can prevent unnecessary hardship. This one-hour virtual session will review strategies to defuse anger and conflict so that difficult situations in the workplace can be resolved respectfully.

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

Self-awareness, communication, influence and learning agility are some of the cornerstone skills required of leaders who contribute to trust based organizations. Building those trust-based organizations takes time and it begins with authentic leaders that offer both credibility and compassion to their teams.  

Workshop participants will engage in conversations and activities with campus colleagues who are also faced with the challenges of building trust-based teams while exploring tools and techniques that align to their leadership learning journey.    

Format: Online workshop

Most work settings have been designed by neurotypical employers, for neurotypical employees, yet an estimated 15-20% of Canadians are neurodivergent. Many highly skilled neurodivergent individuals encounter workplace barriers that affect their ability to thrive in the workplace. In this participatory workshop we will focus on two forms of neurodivergence: autism and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). We will identify common workplace barriers and challenges and review recommended practices and processes that support neurodivergent employees. Through interactive activities, participants will review their workplace from a neurodivergent perspective, explore the hidden curriculum in their office, and discuss ways to incorporate recommendations that would benefit neurodivergent and neurotypical employees, alike.

Format: In-person workshop

This workshop was formerly known as Understanding Conflict and has been renamed to accurately signal the main themes explored in this session.

When we experience perceived opposing goals, viewpoints, or interests with others around us, we stall in our ability to solve problems. Understanding what conflict is and how it shows up in our lives is an important first step in resolving it. In this workshop, you will complete the Thomas-Kilmann Conflict Model Instrument to gain insight into five different conflict-handling behaviours, and whether you might be overusing or under-using one or more of them. Based on a mix of individual reflection, small and large group discussion, we will explore what conflict is, how it appears at work, and introduce strategies and tools to begin addressing it productively.

Format: In-person workshop

Do you want to know how you can be more mindful of how social inequities and the marginalization of equity-deserving groups plays out in your daily meetings, discussions, presentations, and workshops? Are you seeking to learn how you can intentionally embed tools and practices within your facilitation style which will help address these harmful dynamics and ensure deeper inclusivity? Then you should enroll in this workshop! – especially if you are a leader or manager and/or someone responsible for holding space during educational or training opportunities. 

Format: Online workshop

Formerly known as Exploring Your VIA Character Strengths. Knowing your character strengths and how to use them is essential to your career growth and development. In this workshop, we will explore our personal strengths using the VIA Character Strengths assessment tool. We will explore how our strengths can be used in new ways at work and at home. Finally, we will learn how to spot and appreciate the strengths of others, including our colleagues, to create stronger connections with them. 

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.