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TEDx video due out in late 2022

The #WorkSchoolHours movement presents three basic principles to combat the compounding problem of work not working for everyone.

Right now, we are expected to work as though we don’t have kids and parent as though we don’t have jobs. It is not sustainable. It’s causing people to leave the workforce, or to sacrifice valuable family time – and simultaneously hurting organisations as retention and productivity take a nosedive.

#WorkSchoolHours offers us all a better framework – one that takes us far beyond how we structure our work schedules to deliver better commercial outcomes for businesses, better careers for all working people, and better lives for everyone.

Building on decades of research and lived experiences, #WorkSchoolHours gives us practical insights and immediately actionable solutions.


“#WorkSchoolHours provides not just the manifesto for change but offers real and practical ways to tackle the opportunity. This is a must read for any leader building a modern workplace.”
Michael Moynahan – Former CEO of HarperCollins ANZ, Former Chair of Creative New Zealand
“Prepare to be captivated from the very first page of this remarkable new book, full of thought-provoking themes. It’s an absolute must-read that will linger in your thoughts long after you’ve turned the final page.”
Steve Jurkovich – Chief Executive, KiwiBank

#workschoolhours is a socially and commercially smart concept aimed to improve the working world. It looks to better align the work schedule to the school schedule, for all staff. It focuses on outputs and on flexibility.

#workschoolhours media and publications

Ongoing Research

I want to gather more insights about organisations that are already operating in line with #workschoolhours to then help more organisations to successfully transition towards this. This research will be based on the perspective of the manager / owner of the organisation, and the participants are self-selected. Are you an organisation already operating in line with #workschoolhours? Are you willing to participate in this research project, to further perpetuate this movement #workschoolhours?

  • “Ellen was a fantastic speaker at a recent KPMG Inclusion and Diversity event. She spoke with passion, enthusiasm and authenticity on the topic of wellbeing, inclusion and belonging in a way which leveraged her PhD analysis to inform practical solutions that could change how we all work more effectively and efficiently into the future. The session was thought-provoking, stimulated significant discussion amongst attendees and was delivered with good humour.”
    – Peter Chew, Director, KPMG.
  • “Ellen was deliberate, clear and convincing with her communications and, as a result, has significantly influenced how Army is now approaching a range of diversity and inclusion challenges, particularly those that relate to gender inclusiveness… To Ellen’s immense credit she has positively contributed to a number of organizational level working groups… Ellen’s contributions to the change, both short & long term, currently being sort by Army in these areas has been both invaluable and greatly appreciated.”

    View reference letter from the Chief of the NZ Army

    – Major General John Boswell, DSD, Chief of NZ Army.
  • “…Ellen’s passion combined with the research she has completed made for an engaging and thoroughly enjoyable session. During the session Ellen captivated the team by using real world examples which connected to her research about the changing nature of leadership. Ellen’s presentation style exemplified the traits she was explaining with regards to being authentic and how when combined with leadership this delivers a more positive outcome. The team were kept rapt as she challenged them to think differently about the future of work, and how the 9-5 construct has shifted and organisations now need to not just have flexible work policies, but to build their systems and processes around this new worker…”
    – Eric Chapman, Director, EY
  • “Ellen was our speaker at Venture Taranaki’s International Women’s Day event 2022. The talk covered everything from personal stories to practical tips for how employers can attach and retain great female talent. Ellen was a relatable and engaging speaker to whom the audience responded well. If you want to open up a conversation on making the workplace great for everyone, Ellen is the woman to help you.”

    – Rachael Berndt. Talent Advisor, Venture Taranaki.
  • “Every organisation should hear Ellen speak. She is so passionate about #workshoolhours and is able to articulate how organisations can solve some of their biggest (people) issues right now and carve out a major competitive advantage in the war for talent. As a parent it was reassuring to hear that so many other parents shared some of my experiences balancing work and family as I do. As an HR practitioner, this talk offered a fresh perspective on many of the issues we are facing right now, backed up by research and evidence that we can take back to our organisations to help solve our current challenges, improve our employee experience and shape the future of work.”

    – Toni Grimshaw, HRNZ Branch President: Te Whanganui-a-Tara, Wellington
  • “Ellen spoke at our Managing Burnout and Fatigue in the Workplace Conference in Auckland. Managing burnout and supporting wellbeing is clearly a topic Ellen is passionate about as she ensured the day was as insightful as possible for our delegates and provided valuable, practical take-aways. We had great feedback from speakers, delegates and all the team onsite. It was a pleasure to work with Ellen and would be delighted to work together in the future.”

    – Catherine McCarthy, Director of Training – Australia, New Zealand & Asia