Earlier this month, Humber’s International Graduate School (IGS) hosted “EnVision the Future World of Work,” an industry visioning session focused on post-pandemic recovery and the evolution of the way we work. EnVision is the first in a series of events through Humber’s Industry and Community Connector Hub at the IGS. 

The meeting brought Humber students, faculty thought leaders and industry experts together to identify opportunities and solutions to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Working in partnership has never been more crucial. As Ginger Grant, Humber’s Dean of Research and Innovation, highlighted at the meeting, there are no experts in post-pandemic recovery. Collaboration is the only way to ensure that we thrive and adapt to new ways of doing, learning and working. 

The EnVision attendees were diverse. Some were working from home, others from their offices, and others employed a hybrid approach. The session, which included brainstorming and discussion, revealed that their values and mindsets were even more diverse than their environments.  

Before the pandemic, Humber was already in innovation mode, undertaking a digital transformation and building on our reputation for polytechnic excellence. 

The EnVision meeting acknowledged Humber’s problem solving and reinforced that, since we have never been through a global pandemic, there is no one or right way forward and that every voice and idea has the potential to bring positive, innovative transformation. 

Every person brings their own values to the workplace, and they should feel safe enough to articulate them. Value sharing is crucial to our organizational health and resilience. One test of organizational health, as I see it, is ensuring that we match the core values of the organization with the values of employees who work here. This is why our Humber Tomorrow plan is built on our collective values. As the plan states, “it will take a bold approach, the courage to transcend tradition and a pioneering spirit to reimagine our future.”  

For more information, visit the Office of Research Innovation and Humber International Graduate School websites.