Over 150 human resources staff members across campus attended the annual professional development conference, “Navigating Tomorrow: HR in the Modern Landscape,” June 10 in the Campus Center.
The goal of the conference was to help the attendees learn to navigate the complexities of the modern workplace and inspire them to adopt a more forward-thinking approach to applying best practices in shaping the future of work at the university. The workshops – on topics ranging from “LinkedIn Learning” to “AI for HR Professionals” – were designed to help attendees stay informed and gain skills to help them in their current roles at UMass.
Interim Vice Chancellor and Chief Human Resources Officer Kevin Kerwood encouraged the attendees to use the opportunity to connect and continue developing professionals using the resources available to them through the university.
During the lunchtime break, Chancellor Javier Reyes addressed the attendees virtually and talked about the importance of creating an inclusive environment where everyone can collectively come together to support the needs of the university. He told the assembled staff members that as HR professionals, they must ensure that the university’s employees stay informed and connected and that their role in fostering inclusivity is pivotal, adding that he trusts in their ability to make a difference.
This year’s keynote speaker at the conference was Jim Link, chief human resources officer for the Society of Human Resource Management, the world’s largest HR professional association. Link delivered insights into the future of human resources management, including trends and transformative practices reshaping the workplace landscape.