Thanks, Sara! I think the Future of Work discussion is a huge opportunity to make changes that benefit mothers positively. I get a little annoyed that so much of the discussion feels as if it currently discludes mothers, but we should take the opportunity to steer some good outcomes regardless!
Almost every corporate job can be Work From Home. The fact that WFH is still demonized when it's one of the most important options for working mothers is wild to me. We don't all want/need to drink the corporate Kool-Aid at an office! Yes to a massive redesign ❤️
Oh Marina — it’s a big step. I’m sure one that has come with many loud questions and quiet fears — and a fair share of external judgment. FWIW I haven’t regretted it for a moment. I have moments where I feel a little nervous — but I know the nerves wouldn’t justify going back to a role where this kind of redesign wouldn’t be accepted. So instead, I’m finding other ways to help make it happen, and hopefully not just for me!
I would love the kind of hybrid workspace you've described working in to prepare this. I really think a lot of women would benefit from the flexibility to take their kids to work with them – imagine if everywhere had a creche as standard so you could go to your children if they needed you/you needed them during the work day. It could make such a big difference.
I also think this would be a great step in humanising the mothering experience for employers. I really believe if people could just *see* a mother getting their work done whilst also seeing them be a mother, people would stop doubting women's abilities and just be in awe of her getting *every* job done.
Absolutely not, no. I actually spent half an hour today trying to find somewhere to hot desk that has a creche, as I’m considering taking Peach out of nursery – found literally nothing. It’s dire out here.
Well... if you're looking for a new business idea! No, but seriously, the lack of innovation in childcare is mind-boggling. I guess people forget about the "pain point" once they no longer need it.
Ooooh would love to hear more on this “FYI I’m currently writing from a hybrid care space” - what is this? I haven’t actually heard of this? Is it like a coworking space but for parents with children 🤣 genuinely very intrigued! Another great piece x
Thanks Jennie — admittedly a different tone/pace for me but it’s fun to experiment.
Okay so! I’ve seen two of these now in Sydney: one is called “Bubba Desk” where it’s a traditional coworking space with a crèche on site and you can go in and see bub whenever you want. That business is trying to scale. The other is a smaller initiative, where in a community hall, a nanny has been hired and the hall is decked out with toys and there’s a part of the hall sectioned off for parents to work but the kids can still see you and come up when they need. I’m doing the latter as it’s more casual, and my daughter likes being able to see me when she needs me. I like that it’s slowly building her resilience as she develops in being away from me — without the stress.
I think there is so much opportunity in the care space for disruption. Like open a book cafe, with a coworking floor, and an attached crèche!
This is genuinely lovely. What is the deal with cost? Is it cheap to stay there? As in is there like rate for x number of hours or based on what you might buy while there? We have a couple of play cafes round where we live but not really comparable as there’s no one actually watching your child so while there is space to sit and you could “work” I guess - it wouldn’t really he conducive to getting anything done! Think these things sound like a great idea! Thanks for sharing x
I have a demanding full time job and as a woman and mother its not easy to juggle both lives, I am constantly trying to put my own boundaries with work, but its really not easy. So yes a workplace redesign is so much needed! Thank you
This is so good! If companies implemented even just ONE of your proposed solutions, the world would be a better place.
Thanks, Sara! I think the Future of Work discussion is a huge opportunity to make changes that benefit mothers positively. I get a little annoyed that so much of the discussion feels as if it currently discludes mothers, but we should take the opportunity to steer some good outcomes regardless!
Almost every corporate job can be Work From Home. The fact that WFH is still demonized when it's one of the most important options for working mothers is wild to me. We don't all want/need to drink the corporate Kool-Aid at an office! Yes to a massive redesign ❤️
From a new mother who is about to resign to care for her baby, thank you
Oh Marina — it’s a big step. I’m sure one that has come with many loud questions and quiet fears — and a fair share of external judgment. FWIW I haven’t regretted it for a moment. I have moments where I feel a little nervous — but I know the nerves wouldn’t justify going back to a role where this kind of redesign wouldn’t be accepted. So instead, I’m finding other ways to help make it happen, and hopefully not just for me!
The fear is very real and for now I’m leaning into fear and know that I won’t have any regrets. Thank you so much for being a resource ❤️
Better design, please!
Yes!
I would love the kind of hybrid workspace you've described working in to prepare this. I really think a lot of women would benefit from the flexibility to take their kids to work with them – imagine if everywhere had a creche as standard so you could go to your children if they needed you/you needed them during the work day. It could make such a big difference.
I also think this would be a great step in humanising the mothering experience for employers. I really believe if people could just *see* a mother getting their work done whilst also seeing them be a mother, people would stop doubting women's abilities and just be in awe of her getting *every* job done.
Yes! I totally agree with both points – especially the humanising one! Have you seen any of these models in the UK?
Absolutely not, no. I actually spent half an hour today trying to find somewhere to hot desk that has a creche, as I’m considering taking Peach out of nursery – found literally nothing. It’s dire out here.
Well... if you're looking for a new business idea! No, but seriously, the lack of innovation in childcare is mind-boggling. I guess people forget about the "pain point" once they no longer need it.
There’s a preschool where I live that has a co-working space for parents! But it is also $3k a month 🙂↔️
Ooooh would love to hear more on this “FYI I’m currently writing from a hybrid care space” - what is this? I haven’t actually heard of this? Is it like a coworking space but for parents with children 🤣 genuinely very intrigued! Another great piece x
Thanks Jennie — admittedly a different tone/pace for me but it’s fun to experiment.
Okay so! I’ve seen two of these now in Sydney: one is called “Bubba Desk” where it’s a traditional coworking space with a crèche on site and you can go in and see bub whenever you want. That business is trying to scale. The other is a smaller initiative, where in a community hall, a nanny has been hired and the hall is decked out with toys and there’s a part of the hall sectioned off for parents to work but the kids can still see you and come up when they need. I’m doing the latter as it’s more casual, and my daughter likes being able to see me when she needs me. I like that it’s slowly building her resilience as she develops in being away from me — without the stress.
I think there is so much opportunity in the care space for disruption. Like open a book cafe, with a coworking floor, and an attached crèche!
This is genuinely lovely. What is the deal with cost? Is it cheap to stay there? As in is there like rate for x number of hours or based on what you might buy while there? We have a couple of play cafes round where we live but not really comparable as there’s no one actually watching your child so while there is space to sit and you could “work” I guess - it wouldn’t really he conducive to getting anything done! Think these things sound like a great idea! Thanks for sharing x
I have a demanding full time job and as a woman and mother its not easy to juggle both lives, I am constantly trying to put my own boundaries with work, but its really not easy. So yes a workplace redesign is so much needed! Thank you