About
Hi, I'm Lena
I spent the early part of my career as an economic policy advisor.
In 2021, my work on working hours and productivity sparked a wider public conversation about the four-day work week.
Now I speak internationally and advise organisations navigating automation, flexibility, and workplace transformation.
Lena Vesello
Timeline
A potted history of my career so far…
2009
Economic policy advisor
Deutch Central Bank
First steps in understanding how economic systems are built — and who they're built for.
2015
Research Fellow
Institute for Labour Studies
Shifted focus from macro policy to the human experience of work, burnout, and collaboration with AI.
2021
Published Research
Journal of Labour Economics
Research on working hours went wider than expected — and started a conversation that hasn't stopped.
2026
Independent Speaker & Advisor
International Audiences
Took the ideas on the road. Now working with organisations ready to do things differently.
Timeline
A potted history of my career so far…
2009
Economic policy advisor
Deutch Central Bank
First steps in understanding how economic systems are built — and who they're built for.
2015
Research Fellow
Institute for Labour Studies
Shifted focus from macro policy to the human experience of work, burnout, and collaboration with AI.
2021
Published Research
Journal of Labour Economics
Research on working hours went wider than expected — and started a conversation that hasn't stopped.
2026
Independent Speaker & Advisor
International Audiences
Took the ideas on the road. Now working with organisations ready to do things differently.
Timeline
A potted history of my career so far…
2009
Economic policy advisor
Deutch Central Bank
First steps in understanding how economic systems are built — and who they're built for.
2015
Research Fellow
Institute for Labour Studies
Shifted focus from macro policy to the human experience of work, burnout, and collaboration with AI.
2021
Published Research
Journal of Labour Economics
Research on working hours went wider than expected — and started a conversation that hasn't stopped.
2026
Independent Speaker & Advisor
International Audiences
Took the ideas on the road. Now working with organisations ready to do things differently.
Awards & Recognition
Top 50 Economics Voices
The economists rewriting the rules of work. Listed by Thinkers & Co.
2026
Top 50 Economics Voices
2026
Top 50 Economics Voices
2026
Public Engagement Award
For making economic research land beyond the academy.
2025
Public Engagement Award
2025
Public Engagement Award
2025
Future Researcher to Watch
One of ten emerging voices reshaping the work debate. WorkForward Magazine.
2017
Future Researcher to Watch
2017
Future Researcher to Watch
2017
Let's Work Together
I'm available for keynotes, panels, and in-conversation formats at conferences, corporate events, and academic forums worldwide.
Let's Work Together
I'm available for keynotes, panels, and in-conversation formats at conferences, corporate events, and academic forums worldwide.