Building Better Together: Supporting Wellbeing, Inclusion and Families at Hansen Yuncken

At Hansen Yuncken, we know that delivering complex, high-quality projects starts with our people.

Construction is an industry built on resilience, collaboration and problem-solving – but it can also be demanding. That’s why creating an environment where our people feel supported, valued and able to thrive is not just important – it’s essential.

This March, we are reflecting on what wellbeing, inclusion and support look like in practice at HY – from industry-wide conversations about mental health, to celebrating International Women’s Day, to supporting families through parental leave and flexible wellbeing initiatives.

Wellbeing in construction: creating space for conversation

The construction industry continues to face significant challenges when it comes to mental health.

According to MATES in Construction, construction workers are at a significantly higher risk of suicide than the general population, with approximately 190 lives lost each year in Australia.

Initiatives such as “This Is A Conversation Starter” are helping shift the industry by encouraging people to check in with one another and normalise conversations about mental health.

At Hansen Yuncken, these conversations matter. Supporting wellbeing is about more than policies, it’s about fostering a culture where people feel comfortable speaking up, looking out for one another, and prioritising their health both on and off site.

Celebrating progress: International Women’s Day

International Women’s Day provides an opportunity to recognise the growing contribution of women across the construction industry.

Across Hansen Yuncken, team members recently attended International Women’s Day events across the country, including industry gatherings hosted by National Association of Women in Construction (NAWIC) and Business Chicks.

As a corporate member of NAWIC and a supporter of Women in Building and Associated Services (WIBAS) and the Master Builders Association’s HiViz Women Building SA Program, Hansen Yuncken actively contributes to initiatives that support women entering, developing and progressing in construction.

This includes hosting project site visits for NAWIC members and supporting employees who contribute to industry committees and events.

While progress continues, creating a more inclusive industry requires collective effort.

Male allyship plays a critical role – with leaders and colleagues across the business supporting, mentoring and advocating for women at all stages of their careers. These actions help build stronger, more diverse teams and ultimately deliver better project outcomes.

A career shaped by curiosity

For Kalyani Naphade, Contract Administrator in South Australia, a career in construction began with curiosity.

“Some of my favourite memories are from spending time on site with my dad – walking through unfinished buildings and asking endless questions about how everything worked. It felt exciting and meaningful.”

Today, Kalyani credits Hansen Yuncken’s supportive environment for helping her continue to grow.

“I’m constantly motivated and encouraged to develop. Being surrounded by experienced and supportive people makes a big difference.”

Her advice to others considering the industry is simple:

“Don’t limit yourself. Construction offers far more opportunities than many people realise.”

Supporting families through parental leave

Balancing career and family is an important part of wellbeing.

At Hansen Yuncken, parental leave is designed to support employees through significant life stages – and increasingly, more fathers are taking the opportunity to step away from work and spend time with their families.

For Michael Pratt, Senior Contract Administrator, parental leave provided a rare opportunity to reset and reconnect.

“It was the best. It gave me the chance to be present for my kids during those early years and return to work with renewed energy.”

Reece McDonald, Senior Project Engineer, shared a similar experience.

“It meant everything to my family. The time I spent bonding with our baby and supporting my partner was invaluable.”

And for Jonathan Russell, Senior Project Manager, the experience was one he’ll never forget.

“You don’t get that time back. Being able to properly connect with the kids – it’s something I’ll always be grateful for.”

Supporting employees doesn’t stop when leave ends. Return-to-work arrangements and team support ensure a smooth transition back into projects and roles.

As part of our commitment to supporting employees through this transition, Hansen Yuncken has also developed a suite of Parental Leave Courses through the ‘Engage. Evolve. Empower.’ Program. These courses are designed to support both employees and leaders before, during and after parental leave – providing practical guidance, building confidence and helping teams maintain connection and continuity throughout the process.

Taking time to reset: ‘Me Time’ at HY

Recognising that wellbeing looks different for everyone, Hansen Yuncken provides employees with ‘Me Time’ – an additional three days of paid leave each year to focus on personal wellbeing.

Whether it’s celebrating cultural events, spending time with family, or simply taking a break to recharge, the initiative gives employees flexibility to prioritise what matters most.

For People & Culture Manager Emma Zavan, that meant being present for an important family moment.

“Attending my son’s school excursion was really meaningful. ‘Me Time’ allows me to balance work while still being there for my family — and that support makes a real difference.”

Across the business, employees are using their Me Time in different ways, from celebrating Chinese New Year and Eid, to spending time with family or taking a long weekend to recharge.

Why it matters

At Hansen Yuncken, supporting wellbeing, inclusion and flexibility is not just about policies – it’s about culture.

It’s about recognising that behind every project is a team of people with lives, families and aspirations beyond work.

Creating an environment where people feel supported to grow, contribute and succeed is central to what makes Hansen Yuncken a place where people choose to build long and rewarding careers.