As a mompreneur without a full-time helper, one of my most out-of-the-box wishes has always been to find a coworking space with a childcare center right next door. It seemed like a far-fetched dream, but I still found myself searching for “kid-friendly coworking spaces” now and then. Of course, I never really had any luck.
Until one day, while scrolling through social media (thank you, technology, for knowing my inner desires), I came across a post about a coworking space that actually offers learning+play environment for children.
I discovered What Matters Coworking +Playlab, the first family-oriented coworking space in the Philippines, designed specifically with parents like us in mind. While coworking spaces have been gaining popularity for their flexibility, networking opportunities, and affordability, I’ve often found that many are geared towards startups or young professionals without kids. Sure, the trendy vibe is cool, but what about those of us balancing businesses or careers alongside a busy home life?
What Matters takes a different approach. Not only is it a professional workspace with all the perks you’d expect—comfortable desks, private offices, and a community of like-minded professionals—but it also has something no other coworking space offers: a safe, engaging environment for kids.
There’s also a conference room for face-to-face team meetings or trainings.
Because I know that my daughters are just a room away with guardians looking after them, I was able to focus on my work. For a change, I had one online meeting and finished writing one press release without distractions. 👩🏻💻
No more dashing between playdates or daycare and the office. At What Matters, kids can join the Playlab, where they’re guided by experienced educators in creative and educational activities.
The classes are offered three times a week—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday—for three hours each session. These play-based learning classes cover everything from arts and crafts to music and storytelling, tailored for toddlers’ cognitive and social development.
On days when there’s no structured class, kids still get to enjoy educational toys and books under the watchful eye of their trusted guardian. It’s the perfect mix of supervised free play and learning, giving me peace of mind while I dive into my work.
I’m particularly in love with the mission behind this space: to break the notion that parents, especially moms, have to choose between being present for their children or pursuing their careers. Research shows that working parents can be even more productive when they have the right support system, and I couldn’t agree more. With a space like this, we don’t have to compromise—both parent and child can thrive.
If you’re a parent looking for a coworking space that understands your unique needs, I highly recommend checking out What Matters Coworking + Playlab. The environment is not only child-friendly but also ergonomic and sustainability-focused, so it’s a win for the whole family. Plus, its convenient location in a mall makes it easy to run errands or grab a bite after a productive day of work.
To top it off, they offer flexible coworking packages with options for Playlab or free play for your kids. You can choose between a co-working desk, private office, or even a virtual office, depending on your needs. And if you need a little more flexibility, they’re happy to create custom proposals too.
To know more about What Matters Coworking + Playlab, visit its Facebook Page and Instagram.
Have you tried a family-friendly coworking space? Let me know your experience in the comments!
