Human Resources March Programs
Professional and Personal Development Programs
Open to faculty and staff.
Register (unless noted): http://knowledgelink.upenn.edu/.
TIAA Live Webinar—Actions You Can Take; 3/1, noon-1 p.m.; 3/3, 10-11 a.m. A TIAA financial consultant will help you understand how to access your new account on the TIAA platform and how to select options from the updated investment menu. You’ll also learn about the planning resources available to you as a Plan participant (at no additional cost to you). Register: www.hr.upenn.edu/registration.
TIAA Live Webinar—How to Turn Your Retirement Savings Into a “Paycheck” For Life; 3/2; 2-3 p.m. A TIAA financial consultant will help you understand how to access your new account on the TIAA platform and how to select options from the updated investment menu. You’ll also learn about the planning resources available to you as a Plan participant (at no additional cost to you). Register: www.hr.upenn.edu/registration.
Tools for Career Assessment and Development; 3/10; 12:30-1:30 p.m. In this program we will examine questions for assessing and developing your career. You will contrast your career options by using a variety of tools. By the end of the session you will have the resources needed to develop a plan for career success.
Art of Effective Communication; 3/16; 12:30-1:30 p.m. The skill of effective communication is at the forefront of a successful work environment. We use these skills to keep projects on task, convey responsibilities, and work with individuals of all hierarchy levels and backgrounds. Learning to develop a personal communication plan, recognize different communication styles, and use tools to facilitate effective communication can help individuals to better their working relationship and project plans.
Participating in Performance Appraisals for Staff; 3/24; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Join this workshop to understand the performance appraisal process and learn how you can prepare to have a productive review session.
Conducting Performance Appraisals for Supervisors; 3/25; 12:30-1:30 p.m. You are supervising or managing other employees and feel the need to learn more about how to prepare for and conduct performance appraisals. This is the course you’ve been looking for! Join us to find out best practices for this important annual procedure.
Work-life Workshops
Open to faculty and staff.
Register: www.hr.upenn.edu/registration.
Guided Mindful Meditation; 3/1, 3/26; 12:30-1:30 p.m. This workshop is for participants to practice present moment awareness with kindness and compassion. During the first part of our practice, we will begin with a guided meditation focusing on the breath. The second half of our session will focus our attention on a guided exploration of the body, bringing awareness to the different areas of the body, and allowing ourselves to experience how each part feels, without trying to change anything. No experience necessary.
Mindful Communication; 3/2; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Mindfulness is “paying attention, on purpose, in the present moment, non-judgmentally.” –Jon Kabat-Zinn. Mindful communication practices shine awareness of our intentions in communication. We learn how to be intentional, stay present, observe our thoughts, and manage our feelings for both listening and being heard—true communication. In this experiential workshop, you’ll see how mindful communication can help you become more intentional, engaged, and effective both at home and in the workplace. No prior meditation or mindfulness experience necessary.
Workspace Ergonomics; 3/4; 11 a.m.-noon. The goal of this workshop is to enhance your remote and traditional workspace comfort, health, and productivity (ergonomics!). Your neck, back, and spine play important roles in your future wellbeing. The workshop will be led by Valerie Perez, a University of Pennsylvania Industrial Hygienist with 20 years of experience, and Maureen Malachowski, associate director with 23 years of experience. Ms. Perez and Ms. Malachowski will provide tips for improving your remote and traditional workspace and preventing ergonomic-related injuries and you’ll learn techniques for maximizing your “fit” with your equipment and environment.
Strategies for Preventing Burnout; 3/11; 12:30-1:30 p.m. This workshop is designed to teach participants about the physiological and emotional dangers of stress and burnout, as well as help them develop effective coping techniques.
Managing Caregiving in the Era of COVID-19; 3/16; 12:30-1:30 p.m. The unique circumstances of COVID-19 add an extra layer to the already complex experience of caregiving. Now more than ever, you have a keen awareness of your loved one’s needs and an eye to supporting their continued health. But senior care providers are themselves working to limit the virus’s spread, making it that much more difficult to navigate the senior care landscape. Where do you go from here? This webinar will address ways in which the senior care landscape has been impacted by COVID-19, considerations when arranging care during this time, and ways to advocate for and support your loved ones during this time.
How to Help the Pandemic Generation Thrive; 3/17; 1-2 p.m. How can we best support our children during this time? Dr. Borba explains why empathy and resilience are key and offers practical, evidence-based, and proven ways to reach kids and help them overcome adversity, be more resilient, and learn skills they will need both now—and in the future—to thrive.
Communication Improved—Conflict Reduced; 3/23; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Effective communication is essential not only for our professional life, but for our personal life as well. This interactive workshop focuses on non-verbal communication, active listening, and barriers to effective communication. It explores how we can learn to effectively resolve conflicts more productively and prevent conflict from occurring, with a greater understanding of our conflict styles and methods of communication.
Stress Relief for Caregivers; 3/1-3/31; accessible the entire month of March. Taking care of others can take a major toll on your life, your mood, and your mental and physical health. Participants will learn to focus on what they can control in their own lives, so they can better manage the strain of their heavy responsibilities. This session will provide a series of simple steps to reduce your stress and avoid burn-out, including relaxation techniques, healthy sleeping habits, healthy coping skills, and building a system of support. Participants will also learn about online resources and the importance of avoiding social isolation for mental and physical health.
Penn Healthy You Workshops
Open to faculty and staff.
Register: www.hr.upenn.edu/registration.
Gentle Yoga; 3/3, 3/12; noon-1 p.m. Let your body reward itself with movement! Join us for this Gentle Yoga session and explore the natural movements of the spine with slow and fluid moving bends and soft twists. During this session, you will flow into modified sun salutations that loosen those tightened muscles and joints of the lower back, neck, shoulders, and wrists. And as an added bonus, you’ll get a workout in the process. To maximize the benefits, we encourage you to use a mat and props.
Bodycombat; 3/5; noon-1 p.m. This fiercely energetic cardiovascular workout program is inspired by martial arts and draws from a wide array of disciplines such as Karate, boxing, Taekwondo, Tai Chi, and Muay Thai. Tone and shape muscles while burning major calories!
Cooking Demonstration with Corporate Wellness Nutrition; 3/8; noon-1 p.m. Celebrate National Nutrition Month by joining a Corporate Wellness Nutrition Registered Dietitian in creating a healthy lunch that is packed with nutrients and will keep you full throughout the workday! Your dietitian will be making a simple stir fry that will not only be healthy, but delicious too!
Chair Yoga; 3/10, 3/24; noon-1 p.m. Chair yoga is a more moderate form of yoga that’s done while sitting in a chair or using a chair for support. You get the same benefits of a regular yoga workout (like increased strength, flexibility, and balance) but don’t have to master complex poses. Chair yoga can even better your breathing and teach you how to relax your mind and improve your wellbeing. Ready to give it a try? Join us for a free Chair Yoga workshop. And don’t worry about your experience or flexibility—chair yoga can be modified for all levels! This workshop will be led by Judith Glass from UPHS.
Marriage Equality—Decision Making for the LGBTQ Community; 3/16; noon-1 p.m. With nationwide same-sex marriage equality comes legal and financial opportunities and challenges to explore. This workshop, sponsored by MetLife, discusses healthcare and beneficiary designations, Social Security, and adoption.
HIIT Strength; 3/17, 3/31; noon-1 p.m. Come for a 45-minute High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) workout! Each week will be a different sequence of exercises, with a focus on strength training. This short workout will be a full-body blast, guaranteed to leave you sweating!
Mat Pilates; 3/18; noon-1 p.m. This class is fast-paced and challenging but suitable for beginners. The exercises are designed to align, lengthen, and strengthen the body in a unique way. Most movements are non-impact and non-weight bearing. All require focus and concentration. Every 45-minute-long class is in a small, personalized setting, allowing us to meet each client’s particular needs.
Vinyasa Flow Yoga; 3/22; noon-1 p.m. Vinyasa yoga is a unique sequence of postures aimed at strengthening the mind-body connection. Its hallmark is the emphasis on the connection between breath and body. With roots in multiple forms of classic yoga—including ashtanga vinyasa yoga—this class will allow you to stretch and strengthen your body and clarify your mind. This method encourages vitality, strength, and healing as we work with the body as a whole. No previous experience or knowledge of yoga is required.