HR Virtual Summit | Flexible Work - Still our Future

Flexible Work – Still our future.

Thursday 27th November 2025 | 9:00am–12:45pm | Virtual

Workplace flexibility continues to evolve - and not always in the same direction. While some organisations are embedding new approaches to flexibility, others are stepping back with return-to-office mandates. Against this backdrop, one thing is clear: flexible work remains a defining feature of the future of work.

This Summit brings together diverse perspectives on what flexibility really means today and where it is heading. We’ll explore:

*Demographics and equity – why flexibility is critical for an ageing workforce and for advancing gender equity.

*Balanced practice – how employers can navigate remote and hybrid models without losing cohesion or productivity.

*Front-line flexibility – what flexibility looks like outside the office, and how it can support customer-facing and essential roles.

*Business realities – the case for flexible work from a small business perspective, including the 4-day week and navigating employment law.

*Evidence and research – what academic insights tell us about the impacts of flexible work across multiple stakeholders.

*Macro lens – an economist’s view on the broader economic impacts of flexible work.

The programme offers more than case studies - it presents a holistic, multi-stakeholder view of flexible work arrangements. Attendees will gain clarity on why flexibility matters, how it is being applied across sectors, and what employers should consider when shaping their future workforce practices.

Joining us is an incredible group of leaders, each bringing unique expertise and perspectives to the discussion:

9:00am | Welcome
Te Radar, Master of Ceremonies

Te Radar our MC for today's Summit will set the scene for a timely and balanced conversation on flexible work.

9:05am | Why Flexible Work Matters: Gender Equity & an Ageing Workforce
Jess Stuart, Author, Coach and Speaker

How demographic change and equity considerations make flexible work essential for the workforce of the future.

9:35am | Flexible Working Through Multiple Lenses: What We Gain and What We Must Tackle
Jo Mutter, Academic & Researcher with two decades of corporate experience, University of Auckland

Jo will explore the broader value of flexible working from organisational, individual, and societal perspectives. It highlights both the well-known benefits and the less-discussed challenges, drawing on research and real-world insights.

What You’ll Walk Away With:

 -  A clearer understanding of how flexible working can support productivity, wellbeing, and fairer career outcomes.

 -  Insight into the tensions and challenges that HR professionals and employees face in making flexibility work.

 -  Practical reflections to help bridge the gap between academic research and everyday HR practice.

10:05am | A Balanced Approach to Remote Working Practices
Jenny Brown, Coach and Former Chief People Officer

How do organisations find the sweet spot between productivity, flexibility, and connection in a hybrid world? In this candid and insightful session, former Chief People Officer and leadership coach Jenny Brown shares NZQA’s real-world journey in navigating flexible working during and after COVID-19.

Far from a glossy case study, this is an honest look at the lessons learned - what worked, what didn’t, and the unexpected benefits along the way. Jenny explores the evolution from “remote emergency response” to a sustainable, people-centred hybrid model, one that supports performance, wellbeing, and culture.

Through practical insights and reflective storytelling, Jenny challenges leaders and HR professionals to shift their mindset, from viewing flexible work as a policy, to seeing it as a strategic enabler across the entire employee experience.

Key Takeaways

 -  It's worth giving things a go even when you're not sure how they'll turn out.

 -  How to think about flexible work as something that's woven throughout the entire employee journey—not just a perk or policy.

 -  The importance of gathering data and insights so you can pivot quickly when something isn't working.

11:05am | The forgotten 60% - flex at the frontline
Gillian Brookes, Workforce Strategy & Flexible Work Specialist & Author

In the last few years we have seen a hybrid work revolution transform the way the desk-based workforce operates, but that only accounts for around 40%. Now it's time we create more choices and access to high quality, flexible work at the frontline for a healthy workforce, healthy businesses and a healthy economy.

From Gillian's session you will:

 -  Get clear about why flex matters at the frontline.

 -  Learn about what types of flex are possible at the frontline.

 -  How to get started in your organisation.

11:35am | A Business Owner’s View of Flexible Work: The 4-Day Week 
Brian Yee, Founder + Director, MSH Consulting Ltd

What does it really take to make a four-day week work in practice? Brian Yee, Founder and Director of MSH Consulting, shares his experience as a business owner who successfully introduced a four-day week after a carefully designed six-month trial.

In this session, Brian will provide a candid look at why the shift made sense for his team, the business benefits it delivered, and how he navigated the realities of employment law to make it sustainable. He’ll also share the groundwork required before making the leap — from preparing your business and engaging stakeholders, to streamlining processes, and weighing up the pros and cons.

Attendees will walk away with:

 -  Practical insights into how flexible working can be introduced in a small business setting, 

 -  The lessons learned along the way, 

 -  Strategies for balancing innovation with compliance.

12:05pm | The Positives and Negatives of Flexible Work: New Zealand Data
Professor Jarrod Haar (PhD), FRSNZ, CFHRNZ, Deans Chair and Professor of Management and Māori Business, Massey University

Professor Haar will be discussing his on-going research on flexible work and its influence. This involves 15 waves of data since 2020 and roughly 15,000 NZ employees. The talk will focus on the data around the positives and drawbacks of flexible work.

Takeaways:

 -  Evidence on the benefits of flexible work.

 -  Evidence on potential disadvantages.

 -  Key insights for managers and employees.

12:35pm | Wrap Up and Close
Te Radar, Master of Ceremonies

Join us on 27 November to take part in a timely and balanced conversation about the role of flexible work in building resilient, equitable, and future-ready workplaces.