A co-working space with onsite childcare pioneered on the Central Coast has expanded to Sydney, with interstate locations the next major goal.
BubbaDesk launched in November last year at Erina with a second space recently opening at St Leonards and a third Sydney location likely to open in the next six months.
Then the company will look at interstate locations.
The concept was born when Lauren Perrett of Tumbi Umbi was trying to juggle childcare and work after her first child was born in September, 2021.
She and her husband Tom, who works in finance, started the business when they identified a “crying need” for a combined co-working space and childcare service, while Perrett was preparing to return to her fintech job following maternity leave.
“It was a struggle to find childcare for our baby and we juggled working from home for a few months, feeling guilty our son wasn’t getting the present, playful parents we wanted to be,” she said.
“I love my career and wanted to perform at the same level as pre-baby, but I also wanted to make sure I was being the best possible mum.
“The hybrid co-working/childcare space concept is gathering pace overseas and there’s certainly a major need for it in Australia.
“The childcare sector is ripe for disruption – and this style of co-working provides greater flexibility.
“It really offers the best of both worlds.
“BubbaDesk is a place to get work done in a professional workspace while kids play and are well looked after.
“It brings the advantages of an office environment, giving users people to bounce ideas off, networks that advance their business, and enable them to make friends and access support.”
Perrett said the couple always planned for the company to expand.
“We had that intent from the beginning – there was a lot of outlay to set the business up,” she said.
“Our success at Erina has been quite quick, giving us a faster momentum for expansion.”
She said not having to make separate arrangements for their children’s care saved working parents time, energy and the stress of co-ordinating multiple locations.
“It also provides peace of mind, knowing their little ones are in a safe and nurturing environment while they focus on their work – and it allows parents to maintain a healthy work-life balance,” she said.
“Not only that, but it’s also great news for mums who want to return to work and continue to breastfeed their child on their terms, which is so important.”
BubbaDesk allows parents to book desk space and qualified childcare on a flexible pay-as-you-go basis or as part of a monthly membership.
It employs experienced and qualified childcare professionals and separate co-working and childcare areas.
“It’s ideal for freelancers, small business owners, remote workers and hybrid workers,” Perrett said.
“Being close to your child can help ease the stress of separation and anxiety pains for both child and parent.”
BubbaDesk presents an attractive solution for companies to support their employees and enhance their work experience, Perrett said.
“By partnering with BubbaDesk or subsidising memberships for their employees, companies demonstrate their commitment to promoting work-life balance and supporting working parents,” she said.
“This can improve employee satisfaction, retention and productivity.
“There’s also the tax deduction aspect, which would certainly be appealing to employers and employees.”
For more information or to inquire about membership options, visit www.BubbaDesk.com or contact hello@BubbaDesk.com
Source:
BubbaDesk