Professional and Personal Development Programs

These virtual, online programs are open to faculty and staff. Register at http://knowledgelink.upenn.edu/

Time and Energy Management: Ideas for Sustainable Life Balance; 9/9; 10-11 a.m. This interactive workshop defines energy management in terms of its relationship to work-life balance asserting that time is finite but energy is not. Several traditional tools are presented but the focus is largely on the need for sustainable practices of working and living in the midst of a pandemic. Individuals will be asked to do a personal energy assessment and to consider a habit that will serve them.

Assertiveness Skills; 9/15; 12:30-1:30 p.m. You may experience situations when you need to utilize assertiveness to complete a task, goal or project. In this class, we will identify personal blocks to assertiveness, identify both assertive and non-assertive language and behaviors, and learn ways to use assertiveness in everyday situations.

The Gift of Feedback; 9/22; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Feedback can be an amazing gift that helps improve performance, but many managers feel challenged by giving and receiving feedback. In this session managers will learn how to frame feedback as a gift that creates productive dialog and improved performance. Additionally, we will cover how managers can solicit feedback from staff in order to become a more effective leader.

Using Spark Hire Video Interviewing; 9/25; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Spark Hire is Penn’s video interviewing technology. In this session we will provide an overview of video interviewing and how job candidates use the system. We will also provide some tips and techniques for creating a great video interview.

Psychology of Job Performance; 9/30; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Successfully overcoming performance issues in the workplace requires a basic understanding of how the human mind works. In this hour-long session, we will discuss how job performance intersects with concepts within the field of psychology, such as behavioral science and motivation. We will discuss how these concepts form a framework that can be used to diagnose performance issues and realize the most efficient and effective ways to overcome them.

Work-life Workshops

These virtual, online programs are open to faculty and staff. Register at www.hr.upenn.edu/registration

Introduction to Mindfulness Presentation; 9/8; noon-1 p.m. and 7-8 p.m. This one-hour presentation will provide an introduction to the practice of mindfulness and how it can be utilized as a tool to manage stress in personal and professional settings. This program is recommended prior to starting the 8-week Mindfulness in the Workplace program.

Financial Footsteps: Getting It Right in 20’s and 30’s (Part 1); 9/10; noon-1 p.m. You’ve got a lot going on. Starting a job, paying taxes, getting married, buying a home, dealing with debt, and everything in between. We can help you sort it all out. In this workshop you will learn about:

• creating a personalized budget that works
• managing student loans and other debt
• credit reports and scores—what they are, why they matter and how to improve them
• investment basics including the power of compounding and asset allocation

Mindfulness with Sandra Herman; 9/11; 12:30-1:30 p.m. This monthly workshop will offer participants an opportunity to practice awareness activities adapted from Jon Kabat-Zinn’s Mindfulness-based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program. 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. All warmly welcome.

Guided Mindful Meditation with Sandra Herman; 9/22; 12:30-1:30 p.m. This workshop is offered twice a month for participants to practice present moment awareness with kindness and compassion. The guided meditation will focus on the breath and being in the body. Self-applied massage and gentle mindful movements that promote rest and relaxation, and reduce stress may also be included in the workshop. No experience necessary. All are warmly welcome.

Mental and Physical Health: Making the Connection; 9/17; 12:30-1:30 p.m. There is more and more growing evidence of the connection between our mental health and our physical health. How can we be more focused on the areas that can impact across mind and body? Recent wellness studies show the interconnection between fitness, nutrition, and mental health. Examples include emotional under- or overeating, depression following a medical diagnosis, how exercise can improve mood, etc. Learn to be empowered to make better choices for a healthier you…even during times of stress! This workshop takes a look at your health from the inside out by exploring the connection between mental and physical health.

Resiliency; 9/21; 12:30-1:30 p.m. Studies have found that when the same events happen to different people, it’s the individual’s response that makes a difference in terms of staying healthy, and using the experience in a positive way in order to grow and thrive—also known as resiliency. What’s the secret? This seminar explores this dynamic and what we can learn from those who are successful at surviving whatever life throws their way and developing similar resiliency. The good news is, resiliency can be learned, and many examples exist where it has made all the difference. Participants will leave with tips and techniques for maximizing their own resiliency and positively influencing those around them.

Financial Footsteps: Getting It Right in 20’s and 30’s (Part 2); 9/24; noon-1 p.m. You’ve got a lot going on. Starting a job, paying taxes, getting married, buying a home, dealing with debt, and everything in between. We can help you sort it all out. In this workshop you will learn about:

• creating a personalized budget that works
• managing student loans and other debt
• credit reports and scores—what they are, why they matter and how to improve them
• investment basics including the power of compounding and asset allocation

How to Nominate a Staff Member or Team for a Models of Excellence Award; 9/29; noon-1 p.m. Do you work with someone who shows special initiative or demonstrates outstanding leadership? Have you noticed that a colleague or team excels at fostering workplace collaboration or shows an especially deep commitment to service? If so, then recognize them as a Model of Excellence. The Selection Committee depends on the content of the nominations to make its decisions. Therefore, nominations submitted should be as detailed and descriptive as possible in order to convey a nominee’s exceptional performance. Be sure to attend this workshop and learn about how best to write your nomination and obtain some tips on doing so!

Mindfulness in the Workplace 8-Week Mindfulness Course; 9/30–11/18; 2:30-4:30 p.m. This program offers a thorough introduction to mindfulness-based stress management. The course includes a structured and foundational process for participants to learn mindfulness-based tools and apply them in real-life situations to help reduce stress, increase focus and mental clarity, improve communication in relationships, improve mood and energy, and better manage difficult situations. The course will be conducted virtually via Zoom Video Conferencing. All class materials are provided, including weekly practice assignments and guided audio meditation practices. Recommended: participation in the Introduction to Mindfulness one-hour presentation on 9/8.

5-Week Resilience Workshop; 9/30-10/28; 1-2 p.m. Are you feeling run down and overwhelmed? Is it getting harder to stay positive, hopeful, and motivated in these uncertain times? Join us for a five-week program designed to bolster resilience, amplify your wellbeing, and help you feel in charge even when things are out of control. Each weekly session covers a different aspect of work and life: resilience, clarity, purpose, boundaries, and courage.

Penn Healthy You Workshops

These virtual, online programs are open to faculty and staff. Register at www.hr.upenn.edu/registration

Vinyasa Yoga; 9/2; noon-1 p.m. Hosted by Campus Recreation, Vinyasa Yoga is a unique sequence of postures aimed at strengthening the mind-body connection. Its hallmark is the emphasis on intuition over tradition. With roots deep in classical yoga, this class will allow you to stretch and strengthen every part of your body and mind. This method encourages vitality, strength, and healing as we work with the body as a whole. You don’t need any previous experience or knowledge of yoga. Remember, the prize is in the process!

Chair Yoga; 9/30; noon-1 p.m. Plenty of people turn to yoga for exercise, but striking a pose isn’t for everyone. If you’ve been tempted to try it but don’t know where to start, it’s time to try chair yoga. 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.

—Division of Human Resources