Bubbadesk already has its sights set on a third Sydney location in the next six months, with interstate locations the next major goal.
The unique startup launched in November with a second space recently opening in St Leonards, on Sydney’s lower north shore. It was born out of founder Lauren Perrett’s experience of trying to find and then 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 coworking space and childcare service, while Lauren 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. 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,” she said.
“The hybrid coworking 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 coworking provides greater flexibility.
“IIt 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.”
Overall, the benefits were enormous, Lauren said. “It means parents don’t need to make separate arrangements for their children's care, which saves time, energy and the stress of coordinating 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.
“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 coworking and childcare areas.
“It’s ideal for freelancers, small business owners, remote workers and hybrid workers,” Lauren said.
She said BubbaDesk enabled an easy transition from parents having their children 100% in their care, to full time childcare options when their child I was older and more independent. “Being close to your child can help ease the stress of separation and anxiety pains for both child and parent.”
Employee incentives
For corporates, BubbaDesk presents an attractive solution for companies to support their employees and enhance their work experience.
“By partnering with BubbaDesk or subsidising memberships for their employees, companies demonstrate their commitment to promoting work-life balance and supporting working parents,” Lauren 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.
Key features of BubbaDesk
- Flexible workspaces.
- State-of-the-art childcare.
- Expert caregivers.
- Flexibility and convenience.
- Networking and community events.
