Celebrating working mothers in Asia

At AtkinsRéalis, we believe that supporting working mothers isn't just good practice, it's essential. Across Asia, our team of talented women is redefining what it means to balance fulfilling careers with the joys and challenges of motherhood. From flexible work options to thoughtful cultural initiatives, we've created a workplace where mothers feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.

This Mother's Day, we're proud to share the stories of five remarkable women at AtkinsRéalis, highlighting how their workplace allows them to succeed professionally while remaining present for their families.

Mindy Lai

Associate Director, Hong Kong

"My managers have been incredibly supportive, allowing me to take unpaid leave and even work part-time for a month to ease back into my role "

Mindy, a mother of two toddlers in Hong Kong, was initially concerned about transitioning back to work after the standard 14 weeks of maternity leave. AtkinsRéalis supported her with unpaid leave and part-time work options to ease the process.

To make her workdays more manageable, Mindy also benefits from the office’s caring room, a dedicated space for breastfeeding and pumping. Coupled with flexible work arrangements when emergencies arise, this has allowed her to prioritize her family without sacrificing her career.

Mindy’s experience reflects AtkinsRéalis’ understanding of the unique challenges faced by mothers and their commitment to providing practical solutions to support them.

Janice Leow

Process Engineer Lead, Singapore

"I’m grateful to be in a place where empathy and trust are part of the culture."

Janice joined AtkinsRéalis in Singapore mid-2023 with excitement for career growth. However, just a month into her role, her daughter fell ill and required hospitalization. To her relief, her managers showed understanding and granted her the flexibility to work from home while attending to her child’s needs.

The team at AtkinsRéalis even sent a thoughtful get-well hamper, reaffirming their commitment to employee well-being. Last year, when Janice’s second son was preparing for his major PSLE exams, the company once again stood by her side, offering work-from-home arrangements to help her provide support at home.

Janice’s experience underscores AtkinsRéalis’ culture of empathy and its dedication to fostering an environment where both work and family can thrive harmoniously.

Jiyoung Yoon

Office Administrator, South Korea

"I always feel that my team and company deeply care about my family."

Jiyoung, an Office Administrator in South Korea, enjoyed over a year of maternity leave before seamlessly returning to work, where her colleagues celebrated her comeback with a thoughtful fruit basket.

She speaks fondly of the company’s “Family Day” event, which allows employees to spend quality time with their families and colleagues’ families. These initiatives build a sense of community and strengthen bonds both inside and outside of work.

AtkinsRéalis’ family-friendly policies highlight the importance of positive workplace culture and prove that employee well-being is a top priority.

Cathy Zhang

Business Support Manager, China

"‘Kids to Office’ day gave every parent here a strong sense of belonging."

Joining AtkinsRéalis in China as a mother of a two-year-old, Cathy immediately felt embraced by her new work environment. The company’s culture of collaboration and support helped her adapt quickly to new responsibilities while maintaining balance at home.

An initiative that stood out for Cathy was the “Kids to Office” event organized during the school summer holidays, where employees’ children visited the workplace. This child-friendly event strengthened her sense of connection to AtkinsRéalis as a working mother, integrating her professional and personal worlds seamlessly.

Cathy’s story perfectly demonstrates how AtkinsRéalis fosters a supportive and inclusive workplace for working mothers by extending its culture to every generation.

Suraya Dolah

Senior Process Engineer, Malaysia

"The flexibility allows me to manage both family and work responsibilities without feeling overwhelmed."

Suraya, a Senior Process Engineer based in Malaysia, is a proud mother of two children aged 10 and 6. Her role at AtkinsRéalis is supported by flexible working arrangements that allow her to manage vital family routines like school runs and appointments.

The conveniently located Kuala Lumpur office, close to public transport options, also makes her daily commute to work stress-free. This extra “me time” during her train rides helps her stay balanced in her dual role as an engineer and a mother.

AtkinsRéalis champions a culture that prioritizes work-life balance by valuing output rather than strict office hours. Suraya’s experience showcases how this approach enables professionals like her to excel at work while remaining actively present for their children.

Become a part of a supportive work culture

Motherhood is a remarkable but demanding role, and at AtkinsRéalis, we're committed to reducing the challenges for working mothers. Whether through flexible work arrangements, empathetic managers, or family-friendly policies, we ensure our employees feel supported and empowered.

If you're a working mother looking to grow your career in a supportive and inclusive environment, AtkinsRéalis is the place for you. Learn more about our culture and explore our current opportunities by visiting our careers page.