How Co-working Spaces Help Working Parents | Woombie
Working parents have a lot on their plates, and it can often feel like they’re wearing ten different hats at once. Sound familiar? If you’re a working parent, you might find yourself constantly worrying about balancing your personal and professional lives, while still showing up for your child and being as present as possible.
On top of that, the country is currently facing a post-pandemic childcare crisis, leaving many parents without the option of working away from home.
However, there is still a way you can “have it all” without giving in to a gimmick. Coworking spaces are becoming more popular than ever, and while they’re great for multiple groups of people and those with different career paths, they also present a unique opportunity for working parents who want to strike a healthy work-life balance while being there for their children.
Whether you’ve been interested in a coworking space before or not, taking a look at some of the benefits can help you decide if it’s the right move for your career. Let’s dive a little deeper into how coworking spaces help working parents, and the benefits you can expect.
Flexibility, Accessibility, and Community
One of the great things about coworking spaces is that they allow you to work on your schedule. If you can only find childcare for your little one in the afternoon, that’s when you can go into the “office.” If you need to spend a few hours catching up with work on the weekend, you have that option. When you have the key or code to the space, you can literally work whenever it’s most convenient for you.
In addition to flexibility, it’s a great way to build a community build a community, especially when there are other parents working within the space. Community is important for parents, in general. However, it’s even better when you’re connecting with parents who are in similar situations and can understand what you’re going through. Working with other parents provides that.
It’s not uncommon for working parents to lose their sense of community, so finding it in a coworking space can be inspiring. You might even find the motivation to get your small business further involved in your local neighborhood by:
- Hosting charity events
- Supporting other local businesses
- Participating in local events
- Sponsoring events or local teams
- Holding contests
When you’re in a coworking space, it’s easy to join forces and get others on board to build that sense of community and support. When you feel like you’re not alone and you’re supported by those around you, it can take some of the weight off of your shoulders. Sometimes, all it takes is another parent to talk to so you can realize you’re not the only one trying to find a balance between work and your home life.
Networking and Startup Opportunities
If you’re trying to launch a small business, a coworking space isn’t just a great place to stay organized and productive. That same community you’re relying on for support can end up providing you with some pretty fantastic networking opportunities.
You never know who you might be sitting next to, or who that person knows that can help you get your business off the ground.
Yes, you can always network online when working from home, but everyone knows it’s easier to make a real connection in person. The more professional relationships you foster with people in your coworking space, the easier it will be to get your business pitched to the right people, and receive the support you need from those in your industry.
With that in mind, it’s essential to make sure you find the right coworking space to fit your needs. Look for things like:
- A strong Internet connection
- Necessary equipment and facilities
- A safe location
- A positive atmosphere
It’s also important to make sure you can utilize every part of the space. Maybe you want to market your business with a podcast or by recording a commercial. Does the space have equipment for that? Maybe you need access to full-color printing for marketing materials, or large conference rooms to work with investors or others interested in working with you.
It’s okay to be picky when it comes to choosing your coworking space. The more you nitpick now, the easier it will be to feel confident in the space you choose to launch your business and meet people who can help.
A Healthy Workplace Environment
We don’t have to tell you how stressful being a working parent is. In this post-pandemic society, parents are facing burnout perhaps more than ever before. While you wouldn’t give up a second with your child, the last thing you need is to add extra stress to your life by situating yourself in a toxic work environment.
Many coworking spaces are changing the way people look at the standard office. Not only do many of them have more “open” concepts and floorplans, but it’s not uncommon to find break areas that promote rest and relaxation. Many coworking spaces are equipped with things like a kitchen, lounge area, or social room where you can do everything from making a cup of coffee to chatting with others. Some spaces even have workout areas so you can break a sweat while stepping away from work for a bit. Others have on-site childcare, so you’ll know your little one is only a few feet away if they need you for any reason.
When you’re ready to get back to work, these spaces offer a quiet place to concentrate. Many people who utilize coworking spaces are freelancers or those trying to start their own businesses, so everyone is there to make the most of their time, and you’re less likely to experience distractions when you’re in a positive, calming environment.
That kind of environment makes it easier to leave your work there and not stress about it while you’re at home. As a result, you’ll be able to be more present with your children and strike a healthier work-life balance.
These benefits are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to how coworking spaces help working parents. Whether you just started working from home or you’re trying to launch a dream you’ve had for years, consider a coworking community, and enjoy the perks it has to offer.
