The construction industry hasn’t always been known for being family-friendly, but at Seymour Whyte, we’re on a mission to change that.
At Seymour Whyte, we celebrate the journey of parenthood – embracing both its challenges and rewards while supporting our people every step of the way.
That’s why we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that supports employees at every stage of their parenthood journey.
From flexible work arrangements to fertility support and paid parental leave, we aim to create an inclusive and family-friendly environment where our people can thrive both professionally and personally.
“A common regret of senior leaders from the older generation was missing that time with their child as they were growing up.”
Stephen Doyle, Senior Project Engineer
Watch: Pathways to Parenthood
In our latest video, Pathways to Parenthood, our employees share their experiences navigating parenthood while building successful careers at Seymour Whyte.
The construction sector has traditionally demanded long hours and rigid schedules, making it difficult for parents to balance work and family life. However, we’re redefining what it means to work in construction by providing real, meaningful support to our people.
From fertility challenges to parental leave and flexible work arrangements, the video showcases the many ways we empower employees to grow their families while growing their career.
Video (above): Hear from National Submissions Manager Nicole Thompson, Corporate Communications Advisor Aisling Mullaney, Senior Project Engineer Stephen Doyle and Submissions Manager Shannan Sim-Brooking as they share how Seymour Whyte has supported them in balancing parenthood and their careers.
Fertility support and reproductive health
With one in six Australian couples facing fertility challenges, we know how important it is to provide practical support.
Through our partnership with City Fertility, employees and their families can access discounted fertility treatments, confidential consultations, and educational resources to help them make informed decisions.
“The fact that Seymour Whyte offers this benefit really normalises that conversation in the workplace.”
Aisling Mullaney, Corporate Communications Advisor.
“Fertility support programs can help employees achieve personal goals, reducing stress (financial and emotional) and improving work-life balance.
“It’s about ensuring our people feel supported in all aspects of their lives.”
Alanna Herbst, Chief People and Communications Officer
Parental leave and returning to work
Historically, long parental leave breaks in construction have often led to career setbacks, but we’re determined to change that.
Seymour Whyte offers generous parental leave entitlements, including 18 weeks of paid parental leave for primary carers and three weeks for partners.
Our Parental Support Toolkit provides a comprehensive guide to managing parental leave, transitioning to new responsibilities, and returning to work with confidence.
For many, the flexibility to return to work in a way that suits their family’s needs is crucial. Employees can opt for part-time work, job sharing, or staggered re-entry plans to ensure a smooth transition back into the workforce.
Flexible work and career growth
Construction jobs have traditionally been rigid, but we’re breaking that mould by embracing flexible work arrangements that support parents. Whether it’s adjusting start and finish times to accommodate childcare or offering remote work options, we promote a culture of trust and flexibility.
Our video features employees who have experienced career growth while raising children, proving that parenthood does not have to limit professional aspirations.
“I was hired during my maternity leave with another company. They (Seymour Whyte) had the belief in me that I could do it even whilst raising a small child for the first time.”
Nicole Thompson, National Submissions Manager
Building a family-friendly workplace
Beyond policies and benefits, our commitment to a family-friendly culture is reflected in everyday interactions.
In Pathways to Parenthood, our people speak about the strong sense of community and support they receive from colleagues and leaders.
Regular family days and inclusive workplace initiatives help ensure that parents feel valued and connected at Seymour Whyte.
“There’s a level of understanding because they (colleagues) know our children. Everyone knows each other’s stories and it’s really nice.
“It’s a family unit that’s created outside of your immediate home.”
Shannon Sim-Brooking, Submissions Manager
A workplace that supports you
We believe that parenthood should never be a barrier to career success. By providing tailored support, flexible working options, and financial assistance for fertility treatments, we continue to champion a workplace where employees can build fulfilling careers while raising their families.
“Construction has come a long way, but we’re still pushing for change.
“Seymour Whyte is proving that you can have a successful career and a family without having to choose between them.”
Alanna Herbst, Chief People and Communications Officer
To learn more about our parental support initiatives, watch Pathways to Parenthood and explore our Parental Support Toolkit.
If you’re considering a career in construction, Seymour Whyte is here to support you. Visit our Careers page.
