Over the past year, we've had dozens of conversations with leaders across industries — from B Corp-certified brands and architecture firms to tech and FMCG giants.

One theme keeps surfacing: companies have great policies, but they’re struggling to make them live in the day-to-day.

Here’s what I’m seeing most clearly as we head into 2026 — and how forward-thinking organisations are moving from intention to impact.

🔵From DEI to “Fair Work” and Retention

Many HR and ESG teams tell me they’ve ticked the DEI boxes — policies, committees, training — but now they’re asking:

“How do we make this real for our people?”

The focus is shifting from representation to retention and belonging.
That means helping employees stay, grow, and feel supported — especially working parents, who make up a large share of the workforce.

🔵The Manager Is the Missing Link

Policies don’t build culture. Managers do.
And yet, many managers feel uncertain about how to support parents — particularly when they aren’t parents themselves.
They want practical guidance, not more theory.

I’m seeing organisations invest in real-life scenario training, language frameworks, and toolkits to help managers feel confident leading with empathy and fairness.

🔵Rethinking the Return-to-Work Experience

For many parents, the return to work is the hardest career transition of their lives.
The first six months back often determine whether they stay and thrive — or quietly start planning their exit.

Smart organisations are now treating this moment like onboarding 2.0: equipping both managers and parents with structured support, check-ins, and flexible pathways that make returning sustainable and productive.

🔵Data Is the Missing Piece

Most companies have solid family policies — but they don’t actually know how those policies perform.
Few are tracking data beyond maternity or pregnancy.

There’s a real opportunity to understand what’s working, where parents are struggling, and what’s driving attrition.
Even a few pulse surveys and targeted interviews can uncover valuable insights to guide action.

🔵Small, Modular Steps Are Winning

Budgets are tight. Teams are stretched.
That’s why the most successful approaches are modular: one workshop, one pilot, one insight report.

These small, intentional steps let organisations test ideas, learn fast, and build momentum — instead of waiting for a “perfect” large-scale program.

🔵The Rise of AI and Real-Time Support

As AI tools become more embedded in workplace systems, companies are exploring ways to provide just-in-time support for managers.
Whether through chat-based tools or smart learning platforms, the goal is the same: help managers make inclusive decisions in the moment.

Looking Ahead

Supporting working parents isn’t just a “nice-to-have.” It’s a measurable driver of performance, engagement, and retention.
In 2026, the organisations that win will be those that move beyond policy — and start equipping their people to live inclusion every day.

About makeSpace
makeSpace helps organisations turn family-friendly policies into measurable performance outcomes.
We design practical frameworks, workshops, and insights programs to help companies create cultures where working parents — and their managers — can thrive.

Learn more at makespaceconsulting.com