Members of the McMaster community connected at McMaster Innovation Park for the HR Forum on October 25 to learn more about the plans for the future of Human Resources at Mac. Individuals from faculties and departments who have HR work within their role had the chance to connect and learn more about key focus areas for HR in the coming months. The theme was Come Aboard! – Take a journey with us as we work together to create a great employee experience here at McMaster — and attendees cruised through the day packed with information, networking and learning.

Wanda McKenna, AVP and Chief Human Resources Officer, kicked off the day with an overview of how our workforce is changing and how the function of HR is structured across campus, with an emphasis on the need for collaborative partnerships, streamlined processes and system solutions.  Attendees also heard a detailed overview of the upcoming HR Review – a project planned to review how HR activities are delivered across campus, with a focus on strengths and opportunities for the future. 

Attendees participated in three breakout sessions and learned what’s new in recruitment and on-boarding; participated in an interactive session on psychological health and safety and heard from a panel on effective Performance Management – doing what comes naturally as a leader;

Nancy Watt, Owner, Nancy Watt Communications was the entertaining keynote speaker who used comedy and improv to illustrate how our language and behaviour can shape every day interactions, as well as help us develop the key McMaster Leadership Capability: Communicates and Collaborates.

“The semi-annual HR Forum provides a great opportunity for leaders and HR administrators from across the University to connect on topics important to the employee experience at McMaster,” says Wanda McKenna, Chief Human Resources Officer and Assistant Vice President. “Ensuring our employees have the support and services they need is critical to McMaster’s future success.”

If you have questions about the forum, or to receive advance notice of the Spring Forum, reach out to Christine Costa at costac5@mcmaster.ca