Work culture at AtkinsRéalis: Oscar Wong's career journey

What makes a company culture truly exceptional? For Oscar Wong, an Assistant Landscape Designer at AtkinsRéalis, it comes down to four simple words: "Work Hard, Play Hard." Fresh out of his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture program at the University of New South Wales, Oscar offers a unique perspective on what it's like to start your career at one of the industry's leading firms.

Oscar's journey with AtkinsRéalis began during his university years with an internship in 2022, before officially joining the team in July 2024. His experience provides valuable insights for university graduates and industry professionals considering their next career move.

A culture built on collaboration and innovation

AtkinsRéalis fosters an environment where teamwork isn't just encouraged, it's essential to success. Oscar appreciates the company's strong emphasis on collaboration, which creates a genuine sense of community among employees. This collaborative spirit extends beyond individual teams, with regular company events helping employees connect across departments.

"Having a collaborative idea is important since everyone has their strengths and weaknesses," Oscar explains. "It's always good to learn from your colleagues."

The company's commitment to innovation shines through its approach to brainstorming and team meetings. During these sessions, the open environment often sparks new ideas and creative solutions. For larger projects, the team organizes design workshops to gather input from all team members, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute to the final outcome.

Professional growth through open communication

One of AtkinsRéalis' standout features is its culture of inquiry and open dialogue. The company cultivates an environment where asking questions and voicing opinions aren't just welcomed, they're celebrated. This approach creates a space where employees feel empowered to contribute actively to discussions and share diverse perspectives.

For someone starting their career, this openness proves invaluable. Oscar's advice to newcomers reflects this philosophy: embrace the opportunity to ask questions and share your thoughts. The collaborative nature of discussions allows team members to build on each other's ideas, resulting in creative approaches to challenges.

Celebrating individual perspectives through education and awareness

AtkinsRéalis demonstrates its commitment to fostering an open and respectful workplace through cultural events that educate employees about different backgrounds and traditions within the region. These initiatives help create awareness and understanding of cultures that team members might not be familiar with.

Oscar emphasizes the importance of embracing acceptance and reducing judgment in the workplace. "Recognizing that every individual is unique, with their own experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds, allows us to appreciate the rich variety that each person brings," he notes. This understanding encourages employees to approach others with empathy and respect.

Recognition at work

The company values employee contributions through its peer-to-peer recognition program called "WOW", where team members earn points that can be redeemed for various rewards. This system ensures that achievements don't go unnoticed and creates a culture of appreciation.

Work-life balance

For work-life balance, Oscar maintains clear boundaries by turning off company email and Teams notifications outside working hours, responding to messages only during business hours. This approach helps maintain the healthy balance that AtkinsRéalis supports.

Leadership that makes a difference

When asked about effective leadership qualities within the company, Oscar highlights two key attributes: good communication and treating everyone equally. These principles align with AtkinsRéalis' broader commitment to creating an inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued.

Your next career move

Ready to be part of a team that truly values collaboration, innovation, and diversity? AtkinsRéalis offers more than just a job, it provides a platform for professional growth, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking projects in landscape architecture and beyond. Join Oscar and thousands of other professionals who have found their calling with us. Explore current opportunities and take the first step toward an exciting career.