University HR Staff Learn Best Practices, Secrets to Professional-Life Balance at Office of Human Resources Professional Development Conference

The Office of Human Resources hosted a professional development conference on May 25, during which various HR staff across campus spent the day attending hands-on workshops to help them learn best practices in their current roles at UMass Amherst.

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William D. Brady, vice chancellor and chief human resources officer, kicked off the conference with encouraging words highlighting the UMass community's commitment to strive for excellence regardless of these unprecedented times. Chancellor Kumble R. Subbaswamy addressed the conference attendees during lunch, thanking everyone for making UMass a caring and supportive community.

The keynote speaker at the event, which was held in the Campus Center, was Deborah Lee, president of Better Choices Wellness, who discussed her journey to finding a healthier lifestyle at home and in the workplace. Her keynote address, “Building Resilience Through Self-Care: How to Fill Your Cup,” examined how to find personal and professional fulfillment and included interactive handouts that encouraged participants to put their best foot forward to a healthier way of living.

Participants had a choice of 16 interactive workshops to attend throughout the day to learn industry standards, including “Increasing Multicultural Competencies: Where Do You Fit?” to “Writing Effective Position Descriptions.” Many participants said a highlight of the conference was the opportunity to see other HR professionals from across campus in an engaging setting.

More information about the Office of Human Resources, including training and support initiatives for employees and the BeWell@UMass wellbeing initiative, can be found at www.umass.edu/humres.