As coworking spaces continue to evolve, one of the most significant trends emerging is the integration of childcare facilities into these shared workspaces. The concept is simple - create a flexible work environment where parents can stay productive and their children can grow and learn in a safe, nurturing space.
Toddlers sat down playing a game with their mum
Driving Factors
The need for coworking spaces with childcare arises from the increasing number of entrepreneurial parents who require a flexible work schedule. The traditional 9-to-5 work routine is challenging for parents who need to balance their work commitments with their responsibilities at home. The struggle is even more pronounced among new mothers returning to work post-pregnancy, who often grapple with the desire to be present for their infants while also fulfilling their professional roles.
The Benefits
The benefits this model brings are multifold. Parents working in these child-supportive coworking spaces can keep an eye on their children while also focusing on their work. They can interact with their children during breaks, participate in feeding times, and be a part of their developmental milestones -- all while remaining in their workspace. This kind of environment not only offers peace of mind but also eliminates the need for commuting between the office and childcare facilities.
Workspace Features
These coworking spaces are designed to be child-friendly, with safe, designated areas for kids to engage in a variety of activities, including arts and crafts, music, learning to code, and more. Importantly, the focus is on ensuring that children are not just "taken care of," but are engaged in a meaningful way that contributes to their growth and development.
The Lack of Childcare Coworking Spaces
Despite the many benefits and increasing demand, it's important to note that coworking spaces with childcare are not yet commonplace. Many regions lack this innovative solution altogether, leaving entrepreneurial parents grappling with the same old challenges of juggling work and family responsibilities.
While the availability of coworking spaces with integrated childcare facilities is still limited, numerous apps are stepping forward to offer adaptable childcare solutions
Flexible Childcare Apps
In this era of digitization, several applications have emerged as a boon for working parents, offering flexible and trustworthy childcare solutions that complement the in-person care provided in coworking spaces.
An Iphone home display screen
Koru Kids is a London-based childcare platform specializing in offering high-quality, affordable after school care. They provide thoroughly vetted nannies, trained in first aid and safeguarding, giving parents peace of mind that their children are in safe hands.
Bubble is a platform that provides a solution to those last-minute childcare needs that can often be a stressor for working parents. Users can find, book, and pay babysitters that their friends use and trust. This gives parents the flexibility they need, as well as the reassurance that their children are in the care of a trusted individual.
Urban Sitter, as the name suggests, is a platform where parents can find and book trusted babysitters and nannies in their local area. The app provides detailed profiles, reviews, and direct message options, enabling parents to make informed decisions about who they are hiring.
Sitters is a well-established platform in the UK that provides experienced, personally interviewed, and police-checked babysitters. The platform gives parents access to local babysitters who have been used and rated by other parents, adding an additional layer of trust and reliability.
These apps are playing a pivotal role in supporting parents who are part of the coworking community, offering flexible and reliable childcare solutions that fit around their work schedules. They are part of the evolving landscape of work-life balance, offering the possibility of a seamless transition between work and family life.
In conclusion, coworking spaces that incorporate childcare hold immense potential to transform the professional landscape for working parents. Despite the current scarcity, the demand is evident, suggesting a promising future for this innovative solution. Paired with flexible digital platforms, we are witnessing the evolution of work-life balance in the coworking sector.
If you are looking for a coworking space with childcare nearby or even in the building then get in touch with the Tally Workspace team who can give you more information on space in your area. Get in touch here.
