Performance Assessment in a Hybrid Environment

As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, we find ourselves working in new ways and seeing work in a new light. Along with that is how we see assessment or appraisal of that work as well as performance. We are interested in understanding more about how to develop a performance appraisal framework in the context of a hybrid work environment. How can we ensure that teams are equitably assessed? How is it different in a hybrid environment? How is it the same? What are some trends in performance appraisals/assessment?

Coaching Process

Students are asked to create a coaching process for managers to use to help guide them before they reach for external coaching resources. The process may include a decision tree of what to do before connecting with an external resource. For example, what should the manager do in their own capacity as a coach (since that is a major part of all people-manager's roles) before they get additional outside help.

Learning & Development Framework

As we emerge from the Covid-19 pandemic, we find ourselves working in new ways. These new ways of working require learning in new ways as well. We are interested in understanding more about how to develop a learning & development framework in the context of a hybrid work environment (half online, half in person). This should include elements of general team member development (soft skills), leadership development (what people-leaders need to be able to do well in a hybrid work environment), IDEA (inclusion, diversity, equity, accessibility) considerations, aspect of health and wellness and new technological considerations as well (new tech or how to handle current tech in a hybrid environment). This framework will then assist us in developing a learning strategy. The completed project will illustrate a framework using the above mentioned elements, and can include others that the project team might like to propose.

Diversity, Inclusion & Equity Month Plan

We want students to help us build a plan for a month (4 week) long celebration of diversity, equity and inclusion. Ideas should focus around the Business Partnering Groups (BPGs) already in place representing (and allies of) women, BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Colour) communities and those living with disabilities (both visible and non). Considerations should include in-person, virtual and hybrid audiences. The main pieces we'd like students to explore are the following: theme ideas (what theme would be emphasized across the entire month) activities that intersect the BPGs (eg. Black women, BIPOC with disabilities, etc) fun interactions such as contests, games, etc and appropriate prize and giveaway ideas End result should be a plan for each of the 4 weeks in the month as well as a high-level workback plan leading up to the month.