Employee Development Day at Northern Arizona University is back, and organizers are hoping for an even bigger, better event than the record-breaking day in 2017.
Last year, 425 employees from campuses throughout the state came to Employee Development Day, choosing from 40 different classes (also the most ever) that ranged from personal budgeting and social media use to using humor as a team-building technique and yoga. The classes are all taught by other staff and faculty who volunteer to share their experience in fun, interactive, 60-minute sessions.
The volunteer employee could be you.
“The purpose of Employee Development Day is to acknowledge and celebrate those who make NAU successful: our employees,” said Cassie Petit, assistant director of learning and development. “The day is put on for our employees, by our employees, and the most critical part is those who choose to share their knowledge and facilitate a session. Every year we receive an overwhelming amount of positive feedback about the quality of the workshops and the variety of topics offered. Whether you want to teach a session on effective meetings or lead people through the best stretches for runners, we want you to be a part of our day.”
The event is intended to remind employees that being lifelong learners is essential in responding to the many changes that impact employees at work and outside of work. Workshops will center on encouraging growth, development and inspiration on personal and work-related levels. The deadline to submit proposals is 5 p.m. April 6, and Petit encouraged all employees to participate.
Past classes have included how to spot fake news, weightlifting and other exercise options (if you sign up for one of these, bring workout clothes), Title IX, types of management, using personality profiles to build your best team and more. Some are taught by faculty members with expertise in the subject; others are taught by faculty and staff who have life experience they want to share. Topics can relate to work or personal life. Submit your proposal online.
Employee Development Day is scheduled from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. May 23 in the W.A. Franke College of Business and Rolle Activity Center, offering duplicate 60-minute sessions in the morning and afternoon to reach more employees. A list of classes and other details will be available closer to the event.
Anyone with questions can contact Petit at (928) 523-9338 or cassie.petit@nau.edu.