When childcare is simply too far from the office

WORK-LIFE balance has taken on a new meaning at a West Hobart childcare centre, which is offering onsite office space for working parents.

Goodstart Early Learning is the latest childcare provider to adopt BubDesk, a co-sharing workplace business founded by Tassie-born entrepreneur and mum Meg Burrage.

For around $35 a day, parents can rent a room – usually a staff training room – with a computer, desk and office supplies, with printing costs and wi-fi provided.

“Typically, parents will use the space when they’re first returning to work,” said Ms Burrage.

“Starting daycare is a time of change and parents often want to be nearby to settle their babies.”

Being down the corridor from their infants means mums can continue feeding while working and parents can have regular interaction with their child throughout the day.

Ms Burrage said the concept had been widely received and now licenses the operation to 13 centres across the country, with locations in Perth, Sydney and the Sunshine Coast. The group is negotiating contracts for providers in Melbourne and Brisbane.

“Ideally, I’d like to see 50 centres operating nationally by the end of the year,” she said.

“And I can’t see why that can’t be in New Zealand or other countries, too.”

Chris Symons, the Tasmanian manager for Goodstart Early Learning, says the co-sharing offices can “help eliminate parent guilt for leaving their children”.

“For us we see families as our primary partner and it’s about offering flexibility,” he said.