IWD2020: Heidy Zhou

Taylor Root is proud to be supporting International Women’s Day 2020. International Women’s Day celebrates the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women. Whilst we all know that gender parity within the workplace has improved over the past decades, we all also know that there is still a long way to go.

We interviewed our very own Heidy Zhou, Head of China – Legal & Compliance. 

​#IWD2020  #EachforEqual

If you mentor professionals at the early stages of their careers, do they/have they encountered different equality issues than you experienced at the same stage in your career? What changes have you seen?

I have observed that young professionals have less issues than my generation, as the whole working environment is much more open and friendly than ten years ago when I joined the industry. Especially in China, I see people in my industry now have more job opportunities, and are much braver and will speak up if they receive any unreasonable treatment.

How do you think parental leave should be approached in 2020?

It’s a real struggle for working mothers to get a work life balance. It’s mission impossible. If a company can extend maternity leave, it may help with retaining key employees in the future. I think another way to be more family friendly would be for a an organisation to arrange family days in or outside the office, so that not only employees, but employees’ families too can build up close relationships.

Please note that all commentary and opinions provided are those of the individual, and not the organisation/company they are employed by.