A senior human resources executive at a major Australian university has resigned following a staff uproar over her comments about employees working from home, which she suggested could lead to regular "four-day weekends".
The Controversial Town Hall Meeting
Paula Ward resigned from her position as Adelaide University's deputy vice-chancellor for People and Culture after making contentious remarks during an all-staff meeting on October 28. The "town hall" gathering attracted approximately 1000 university employees where Ward outlined stricter work-from-home policies.
In video footage obtained by The Advertiser, Ward explained that professional staff - though not academic staff - would be permitted to work from home up to two days per week, but with specific restrictions. "One day during your week must be a Monday or a Friday, effectively not looking for people to have a four-day weekend on a regular basis," Ward told the assembled staff members.
Immediate Backlash and Union Response
The publication reported that "the roof exploded" following Ward's remarks, with university employees expressing immediate outrage. Andrew Miller, the South Australian secretary of the National Tertiary Education Union, told The Advertiser that the comment demonstrated that "the head of HR does not trust the professionalism of staff".
Miller emphasised that the remark showed insensitivity toward staff members with caring responsibilities and other legitimate needs for flexible work arrangements. "The deputy vice-chancellor promptly realised the error and apologised, but the damage was done," Miller stated, highlighting how the incident had severely damaged trust between management and staff.
Aftermath and University's Position
Ward was notably absent from the subsequent town hall meeting held on November 12, and the university later confirmed her resignation. A spokesperson for Adelaide University acknowledged Ward's contributions, stating: "Adelaide University recognises the contribution Paula Ward has made to the establishment of Australia's newest university, and we thank her for the hard work and dedication she has displayed."
The university confirmed that a competitive recruitment process would soon begin to fill the vacant position. Importantly, the institution clarified that flexible work arrangements would remain largely unchanged despite the controversy. The spokesperson explained that both foundation universities supporting the merger already maintained various flexible work options, including working from home, to balance staff needs with student requirements.
"The work from home principles proposed for Adelaide University are very similar to those already in place at the two antecedent universities," the spokesperson confirmed. "Accordingly, we do not expect working from home arrangements will significantly alter going forward."
According to her LinkedIn profile, Ward began her role as Deputy Vice Chancellor in October last year while also serving as director of The Rugby Club Foundation. The resignation comes as Adelaide University prepares for its official launch in January next year, following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
