International Women’s Day is a moment to celebrate the growing role of women in the workforce, especially across Asia. In recent years, female workforce participation has increased significantly as more women pursue higher education and break barriers in traditionally male-dominated industries.
In Singapore, female workforce participation has steadily risen, reaching 62.3% by 2024, with more women holding leadership positions (Singapore Department of Statistics, 2024). Malaysia has also seen a surge in women entering industries like construction, once considered male-dominated (The Star, 2024). In India, around one-third of women are now part of the workforce, reflecting both progress and the continued need for supportive workplace environments (World Bank, 2024).
Yet, as more women balance career and personal responsibilities, workplace support has never been more important. This year’s International Women’s Day theme, "Embrace Equity," is a call for change—not just for equality, but for equity. It’s about recognizing and addressing the unique challenges women face, ensuring they have the opportunities, resources, and support to thrive.
At Unispace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and flexible workplace that empowers all employees. To celebrate International Women’s Day, we spoke with several team members about their experiences and explored workplace design strategies that create a more supportive and empowering environment for women.
Q1. Can you share how Unispace supported you when you were recovering from your motorbike accident and needed to work remotely?
Unispace provided incredible support during my three-month recovery from a pelvic fracture. My leaders prioritized my well-being, ensuring I had the time to heal without work pressure. Their trust and encouragement made a huge difference.
My colleagues checked in regularly, sending messages and even visiting me, reinforcing the strong sense of support within the team. This experience highlighted the importance of a workplace that truly values its people beyond policies.
Q2. How did Unispace’s commitment to flexibility enable you to continue contributing to your role while managing personal health challenges?
Unispace’s flexibility allowed me to ease back into work at a pace that suited my health. I could work remotely and adjust my workload as needed, which made the transition much smoother.
The trust and support I received gave me confidence that I could focus on recovery without feeling left behind, proving that productivity and well-being can go hand in hand.
Q3. How did your team and leadership help you stay connected and supported while working remotely?
My team ensured I wasn’t overwhelmed by assigning manageable tasks and checking in regularly. Leadership also made a point to ask about my well-being, not just work.
At the time, I was using a walking aid, and my colleagues visited me one weekend, which really lifted my spirits. Their thoughtful support made balancing work and recovery much easier.
Q1: How did Unispace support you during your maternity leave and return to work?
Unispace’s trust and flexibility made a world of difference during my maternity leave and return to work. Balancing new motherhood with my career could have felt overwhelming, but their support allowed me to transition smoothly. Technology kept me connected without the stress of being in the office daily, and I never felt like I had to choose between my professional and personal life. That understanding had a profound impact on me.
Q2: How has Unispace helped you balance leadership in construction with motherhood?
In the demanding construction industry, work-life balance can be a challenge, but Unispace truly supports it. I’ve been able to manage my leadership role without sacrificing family time, whether adjusting my schedule for personal commitments or working remotely when needed. The company’s culture makes it possible to thrive in both aspects of my life. This experience has also inspired me to extend the same flexibility and empathy to my own team.
Q3: How has Unispace fostered an inclusive culture for women in construction?
As a woman in a leadership role in a male-dominated industry, I’ve often felt the need to prove myself. But at Unispace, inclusion isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a core value. From mentorship opportunities to open dialogue about the challenges women face, the company takes real steps to support us. Knowing I can excel in my career while being fully supported as a mother has been incredibly empowering.
Q1. As a young professional, what aspects of workplace culture and flexibility matter most to you, and how has Unispace met those expectations?
A workplace that values flexibility and continuous learning is essential for me. Having the freedom to collaborate or focus independently enhances my productivity. Unispace fosters this balance by creating an adaptable environment that encourages both teamwork and individual growth.
Q2. Work-life balance and well-being are key priorities for a young professional. How has Unispace supported your professional growth while ensuring you have the flexibility to maintain a healthy balance?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance while advancing in my career is crucial. Unispace supports this by promoting autonomy, open communication, and professional development opportunities. Strong mentorship and a people-first culture make growth feel natural rather than overwhelming, ensuring long-term success without burnout.
Q3. From a young professional’s perspective, what workplace design elements do you believe are most important in creating a supportive and empowering environment for female employees?
A workplace that empowers women prioritizes flexibility, inclusivity, and well-being. A mix of collaboration areas and quiet zones allows for different work styles, while wellness spaces promote balance. Ergonomic setups, mentorship programs, and inclusive initiatives foster a culture where women feel supported, valued, and set up to thrive.
Q1. From a designer’s perspective, how is workplace design evolving to meet the expectations of a younger, more diverse workforce? What trends should clients prioritize?
Workplace design is becoming more dynamic, inclusive, and people-centric to align with the expectations of a younger, more diverse workforce. There’s a clear shift toward flexible spaces that support different work styles, whether it’s collaboration, focus work, or relaxation. Wellness is also a major priority—biophilic elements, natural lighting, and dedicated well-being areas are now essential rather than optional. Clients should focus on creating adaptable environments that evolve with changing needs, always placing the user experience at the forefront.
Q2. Many organizations are rethinking their office spaces to enhance flexibility, collaboration, and well-being. What design strategies would you recommend to create more inclusive and adaptable workplaces?
An inclusive workplace acknowledges diverse backgrounds, work styles, and abilities. Designing flexible layouts—balancing open collaboration areas with quiet zones—ensures the space works for everyone. Accessibility should also be a priority, making sure all employees feel comfortable and supported. Ultimately, a well-designed office isn’t just functional; it empowers people to work in ways that best suit them while fostering a sense of belonging.
Q3. From a young professional’s perspective, what workplace design elements are most important in creating a supportive and empowering environment for female employees?
A workplace that truly supports and empowers women goes beyond physical design—it fosters growth and equal opportunities. While ergonomic and wellness-focused spaces contribute to comfort, what truly makes a difference is a culture that promotes mentorship, leadership development, and visibility in decision-making. Creating an environment where women feel heard, valued, and encouraged to grow ensures we all have a level playing field to thrive.
Insights from Leadership
"Embracing equity empowers women and the next generation to rise, lead, and thrive—because true progress happens when everyone has the opportunity to succeed."
"We are dedicated to advancing this vision by pushing the limits of workplace design. We create spaces that enhance well-being, foster creativity, and promote collaboration, while honoring India’s rich design legacy.
Each team member plays a crucial role in embedding these values into our projects. By championing women-led insights and harnessing our collective strength, we continue reshaping the future of design—creating environments that resonate with the heart and soul of our diverse backgrounds."
As more women take on key roles across industries, it is crucial to create workplaces that foster inclusivity, flexibility, and well-being. Unispace remains committed to supporting women in the workforce by ensuring that our workplace strategies and designs cater to their evolving needs. Through flexibility, thoughtful design, and an inclusive culture, we empower women to thrive both professionally and personally.
By listening to our team members and continuously evolving our approach, we reinforce our dedication to creating spaces where everyone, regardless of gender, feels valued and supported. As we celebrate International Women’s Day, we reaffirm our commitment to shaping workplaces that not only drive success but also nurture the well-being of the people within them.
Reference:
The Star. (2024, April 26). Is the construction industry just a 'boys' club'? The Star. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2024/04/26/is-the-construction-industry-just-a-boys-club
World Bank. (2024). Labor force participation rate, female (% of female population ages 15-64) - India. World Bank. https://data.worldbank.org/indicator/SL.TLF.TOTL.FE.ZS?locations=IN
Singapore Department of Statistics. (2024). Labor force participation rate of women in Singapore. Singapore Department of Statistics. https://www.singstat.gov.sg/find-data/search-by-theme/economy/labour-employment-wages-and-productivity/latest-data
