Hakuhana Labs

Innovation that keeps the Lifeboat moving forward.

About Us

At Hakuhana Labs, innovation is our compass.
We exist to explore, develop, and deliver smarter ways to support the Hakuhana Lifeboat mission, one that keeps people, employers, and communities afloat through fair work, better systems, and forward-thinking design.

From HR automation and digital onboarding to sustainability research and workforce analytics, our purpose is simple: to make work more human, efficient, and resilient through innovation.

Our Mission

To pioneer practical solutions that strengthen the Hakuhana Lifeboat and the lives it touches.

We combine research, data, and design to improve how businesses operate, how staff experience employment, and how technology can serve people, not replace them.

Because innovation should feel like progress, not pressure.

What We Do

1. Workforce Innovation & Systems Development

We design and test new tools that make staffing, payroll, and onboarding faster and smarter. From automated onboarding templates to digital crew portals, our systems are built to support a 48-hour turnaround and seamless compliance.

Focus areas:

  • Automation of staff data collection and verification
  • Integration with payroll systems like Simplicity HR
  • Bulk onboarding software and smart contract workflows

2. Research & Analytics

Hakuhana Labs conducts independent research into the future of employment, workforce resilience, and wellbeing in the modern economy.

We analyse:

  • Pay equity and salary benchmarking
  • The impact of benefits on retention
  • Sector trends in staffing and labour models
  • Productivity through wellbeing and inclusion

Our findings guide the entire Hakuhana network, ensuring every decision is based on data and empathy.

3. Sustainability & Design

We believe every innovation should protect both people and the planet.
Hakuhana Labs explores eco-conscious solutions across operations, from digital efficiency to recycled packaging, green uniforms, and sustainable logistics.

Our goal:
Zero waste, zero burnout.

4. Technology Partnerships

We collaborate with software developers, AI innovators, and universities to create tools that empower workers and employers alike.

Projects include:

  • Predictive staffing analytics
  • Skills-matching AI tools
  • Digital wellbeing dashboards
  • Accessibility and inclusion technology

For Employers

Hakuhana Labs helps businesses future-proof their operations.
Through research, pilot programmes, and process optimisation, we help our partners:

  • Reduce admin time
  • Improve employee engagement
  • Automate compliance
  • Scale with confidence

For Staff

Our innovations are designed around real people, the crew members who make everything possible.
Every system, tool, and process we build aims to:

  • Simplify onboarding
  • Improve communication
  • Support learning and wellbeing
  • Build lasting stability

Our Promise

Innovation with integrity.
Technology that uplifts, not replaces.
Research that leads to real change.

Current Focus Areas

  • The Future of Flexible Employment
  • Global EOR Technology (Employer of Record)
  • Automation for Small Businesses
  • Digital Inclusion & Workplace Accessibility
  • AI for Workforce Wellbeing
  • Sustainable Staffing Models

Join Our Research Team

We’re always seeking partners who share our passion for ethical innovation.
Whether you’re a developer, academic, or business looking to pilot new solutions, Hakuhana Labs welcomes collaboration.