Coming home: Why I returned to AtkinsRéalis - a story of culture, values, and growth

Discover how a strong culture and shared purpose make AtkinsRéalis a workplace where careers flourish.

When it comes to finding the right workplace, sometimes you don’t know what you have until it’s gone. My name is Mary Slayden, and as a Senior Document Control Manager based out of our Houston office in the US, I’ve experienced firsthand how a company’s culture can make all the difference. Having recently returned to AtkinsRéalis, I’d love to share my journey of rediscovery and why I’m proud to once again call AtkinsRéalis my professional home.

Rediscovering purpose: A return to strong values

After experiencing multiple acquisitions with my former business unit between 2014 and 2020, I felt the shift in culture when we separated from AtkinsRéalis. The stability and shared purpose I had come to value began to fade. That's when I realized how much I missed the collaborative environment that AtkinsRéalis represented. Coming back felt like returning to a place where my professional principles truly aligned with the company's values.

In my current role, I lead strategic document control initiatives across global energy and industrial projects, from Chevron Agbami in Nigeria to Woodside Scarborough in Australia. One project I'm particularly proud of is our work with Gevo, where we transformed a challenging client relationship into a strong partnership through dedication and commitment to excellence. Their VP became one of our biggest advocates - a testament to how our values translate into real results.

A culture of support and flexibility

At AtkinsRéalis, our values aren't just words on a wall - they're lived experiences. Safety, Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Excellence guide every interaction and decision. Recently, when I lost my father-in-law, the company's flexible working arrangements allowed me to be there for my family while maintaining my professional responsibilities. This kind of support demonstrates how AtkinsRéalis truly values work-life balance and employee wellbeing.

We have access to comprehensive wellness programs, mental health resources, and employee resource groups that make everyone feel valued and supported. The inclusive culture embraces diversity, with over 130 nationalities represented across our global workforce.

Growing together: Career development and opportunities

At AtkinsRéalis, career growth is something you actively shape over time. There's a real focus on learning and development, supported by tools like our Career Journey Guides and Learning Zone, as well as communities like Emerge. Being a champion for Emerge has shown me how much emphasis the business places on helping early-career professionals build confidence, skills and connections from the start.

Whether you want to deepen your expertise or explore new directions, there's support to help you do that here. For me, it feels less like following a fixed path and more like a career that evolves- shaped by collaboration, new ideas and the people you work with day to day.

If you're looking for a place where you can grow, do meaningful work and feel supported as your career develops, AtkinsRéalis is worth exploring. There are many ways to connect with us and learn more about the people behind the projects- and to see how your own career could grow here.

Ready to make your mark? Explore careers at AtkinsRéalis and discover why so many professionals choose to build their futures with us.