Rooted in support: Growing with our people through life’s milestones

“Supporting employees through major life transitions is one of the most meaningful ways organisations can put people at the centre of their policies.” – Quek Li Ling, Head of Human Resources, General Affairs and Marketing Communications at Cathay United Bank (Singapore Branch)

Careers rarely follow a linear path. Much of this is because we take time to explore our interests, develop our strengths, and discover what truly motivates us. Growth often requires patience, guidance from mentors who open doors, and sometimes a bit of luck to seize the right opportunities.

Equally important is recognising that career development and trajectories are inseparable from the passage of life. Our professional journeys are closely intertwined with these highlights and personal moments: becoming a parent, caring for loved ones, pursuing further education, and facing unexpected personal health challenges. Supporting employees through these moments is key to creating an environment where everyone can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and stay engaged throughout their careers.

I remember earlier in my career, I found myself juggling several major personal milestones at once. There were moments when I wondered if I could keep up professionally while managing everything else life was throwing my way. Having an employer who showed understanding and support during that time made a real difference – it gave me the confidence to keep developing professionally without feeling I had to put life on hold.

That experience has stayed with me and continues to shape how I think about supporting employees today. When organisations genuinely put people at the centre of their policies, the impact is felt on both sides. Employees feel more confident and secure, and organisations retain talent, preserve knowledge, and maintain continuity. For today’s young professionals, this rings particularly true, as they balance growing career demands with life’s many significant chapters, making empathetic and responsive workplace support more vital than ever.

Supporting employees through major life transitions is one of the most meaningful ways organisations can put people at the centre of their policies. Stepping into parenthood is a profound shift, and thoughtfully designed policies can make the difference between an employee feeling compelled to pause their career or empowered to continue developing. Beyond statutory maternity and shared parental leave, initiatives such as maternity support benefits and flexible work arrangements (FWAs) provide practical support while signalling that the organisation values employees’ holistic wellbeing. At the same time, fathers and other caregivers are included, fostering a culture of shared responsibility.

We also place strong emphasis on creating meaningful opportunities for the younger generation and those at the start of their careers. Many are entering the workforce with aspirations, but also very real questions about direction. Our role is to provide them with the right exposure and mentorship to build a future with us.

While policies provide an important foundation, listening to our employees is just as critical. We place strong emphasis on understanding what matters most to our people, and through townhalls and regular conversations, we have heard more employees asking how they can grow their skills, build confidence in their roles and prepare for what comes next in their careers.

These guide how we shape our programmes so they remain relevant to employees at different life stages. We have designed programmes to be practical and relatable to employees, covering topics such as women’s wellness and health, life planning through wills and powers of attorney, preventing workplace harassment, and strategies for managing stress and maintaining mental wellbeing. By keeping these discussions inclusive, we highlight that building an equitable and supportive workplace is a shared responsibility for all of us.

Our support for employees also extends beyond parenthood to multigenerational caregiving. Many employees, often women, carry responsibilities for ageing parents. A values-driven approach recognises that life stages extend across generations and that supporting these responsibilities is essential to sustaining careers and engagement. By accommodating diverse personal commitments, organisations reinforce the principle that employees are valued as individuals, not merely for their output.

This philosophy resonates strongly with the theme of International Women’s Day 2026: Give To Gain. It is a reminder that support works best when shared. By offering time, guidance, knowledge or resources, whether through mentoring, advocacy, or simply listening, we create an environment where women can thrive, and as they grow, we all benefit. Giving support is not a trade-off; it multiplies opportunities, strengthens connections and helps build a workplace where everyone can flourish.

In practice, this means creating policies, programmes and ways of working that help employees grow in their careers while navigating life’s changes. It is about embedding empathy, respect, and inclusion into everyday culture and ensuring every employee feels acknowledged and supported at every stage of life.

For organisations, the message is clear: supporting employees across life stages is more than an HR responsibility, and is a key driver of long-term success. When employees are given the right tools, flexibility, and understanding, they become more engaged, resilient, and committed. Talent is retained, institutional knowledge is preserved, and the organisation as a whole becomes stronger. When we are all able to thrive, the benefits extend beyond our individual roles, strengthening our teams, our organisation and our wider community.

At the end of the day, life stretches beyond work, and work can be a force for something greater than any of us. When we feel our contributions matter and are supported to bring our whole selves to meaningful work, we can grow strong individually and collectively.

Like a tree, with roots that run deep and branches that stretch wide, we thrive together – growing strength, offering shade, and reaching beyond ourselves to uplift all around us.

About the Author: Quek Li Ling is Head of Human Resources, General Affairs and Marketing Communications at Cathay United Bank (Singapore Branch).