Working from home for more than a year has greatly changed the nature of work and our professional relationships. As organizations — including ours — move forward into a workplace culture where many people will hold hybrid in- and out-of-office roles, it’s important to think about how we can foster the connections that used to take place around the proverbial water cooler, e.g., in person.

Researchers have shown that the best places to work in the future will be organizations that help foster social and knowledge-sharing ties between employees who are in the office and those who are not. But like any workplace culture, this will be a transition — one that will be most effective if we all develop the knowledge and skills to build connections with our colleagues in person and online.

Learning opportunities to help you build connections

UCOP Learning and Development (L&D) has put together several courses over the next few months to help you gain the skills you need to build connections online and (eventually) face to face. Select each course name to register; listings are in Pacific Time.

Making connections in a hybrid world
Nov. 9, 10 – 11 a.m.
Connection is crucial component in building engagement — and a productive and efficient workplace. It is widely noted that when people feel connected, healthy working relationships that foster collaboration improve. Come to this interactive workshop to experience and learn some of the tools and techniques that can support connection in this remote and hybrid world. Bring your ideas!

UCOP leadership cohorts
Throughout the year
If you’re a new employee or hoping to build connections outside your team, UCOP’s leadership cohorts for all skill levels are a great way to develop your professional knowledge while expanding your network. The collaborative, team-based environment of long-term learning opportunities provides a great venue for meeting colleagues at all UCOP locations.

The remarkable hybrid worker
Nov. 3, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. (Register by Oct. 29)
This online live training is designed to help you successfully navigate hybrid work environments where you may be working with colleagues who are on-site, remote or a mixture of both. Learn to be more productive, manage stress, practice self-care and stay motivated. Improve your people/emotional skills as well as the practical/operational side of your work. As a bonus, all attendees will receive access to a 21 Practices eCourse and Hello Mindful app.

Collaborative tools for virtual meetings
Nov. 16, 10 – 10:45 a.m.
Discover and try new techniques and internet-based tools to make virtual and hybrid meetings more engaging and collaborative. Come with an open mind and ready to learn!

UCOP People Leader Forum
Next forum Nov. 19, 1 – 2 p.m.
People Leader Forums were specifically designed to give people managers at UCOP an opportunity to connect with one another to share best practices in a supportive environment. Presentations are limited to the beginning of the session with the majority of time reserved for collaborative conversation. Our next topic will be feedback in a hybrid world.

The remarkable hybrid manager
Nov. 30, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. (Register by Nov. 17)
This interactive live workshop helps managers and supervisors turn hybrid workplace challenges into opportunities for themselves and their teams. We’ll provide techniques and tools, as well as cutting-edge problem-solving and collaboration frameworks. Learn to fully engage your team, have transparent discussions and clarify responsibilities for better performance, well-being, inclusion and morale.

Inclusive hybrid and virtual meetings
Dec. 2, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Inclusive meetings lead to a climate of openness, greater teamwork and increased decision ownership. In this workshop, you’ll learn techniques to facilitate virtual and hybrid meetings that include all voices and engage your participants, including how to determine the best engagement strategy for your participants and meeting objectives.

L&D recommended resources for more learning

LinkedIn Learning videos and courses

• Communicating remotely
• Digital body language
• Essentials of mindfulness and compassion
• Leading virtually: Vulnerability and presence when working from home

Articles

• The key to making hybrid work? Meaningful engagement — Johnny Warström
• 11 ways to create community in a ‘hybrid’ work environment — Forbes Communications Council
• How to communicate when everyone is wearing a mask — Jeremy Adam Smith & Zaid Jilani

Questions or recommendations? Contact ucopld@ucop.edu.

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