SHIFT Work + Play is a coworking and community hub thoughtfully designed for working parents and their children. We offer flexible workspace and professional amenities for adults alongside a creative, supervised playroom for kids, so parents can focus on work and connect with other professionals, while children enjoy a safe, engaging environment. Our vision is to nurture productive and balanced lives by bringing work and family under one roof with purpose, warmth, and connection.
A conversation with Megan Donovan, Owner
Tell us your business origin story!
I founded SHIFT Work + Play in 2022 after recognizing a gap in the local community: many parents (and especially mothers) were juggling career ambitions and parenting responsibilities but lacked a dedicated space that supported both. I envisioned a place where a parent could attend a meeting, finish a project, or join a networking event while knowing their child was engaged and supported in a nearby playroom. With that mission in mind, I launched SHIFT Work + Play, staffed by myself and a playroom attendant, to create a welcoming, flexible space for the modern working family. Over the past three years we’ve grown into a vibrant community offering coworking, play sessions, parent workshops and more.
What do you like most about being a business in Frederick County?
Frederick County has deep roots in community spirit, entrepreneurship and collaboration, which I love. The local community values both business innovation and family life, which aligns perfectly with our mission at SHIFT. Being here means we get to connect with other local businesses, parents, and professionals who care about balance, connection and support. I also appreciate that Frederick offers both growing-city energy and small-town warmth so we’re able to create meaningful relationships, not just transactions.
What makes SHIFT Work + Play unique?
SHIFT Work + Play is unique because we combine intentional coworking for parents with a children’s playroom and
community-building programming, rather than only offering one or the other. We intentionally integrate “Work” (for the adult professionals) and “Play” (for the kids) under the same roof, so parents don’t have to choose between productivity and presence. On top of that, we host events, networking opportunities, and programming (like parenting support groups, goal-setting workshops, and kids’ music classes) that weave together the professional and the personal. Our small scale and local focus allow us to tailor everything to the working-parent community in Frederick.
What do you want SHIFT Work + Play to be known for?
I want SHIFT Work + Play to be known as a supportive hub where working parents feel empowered and connected. I want people to know that we are more than a physical space; we’re a community of like-minded professionals and parents who believe you can thrive at work and at home. I want prospective members to realize they don’t have to juggle childcare in isolation while trying to move their careers forward. We’re here to make that intersection easier, more meaningful, and richer. And I’d love people to know that we offer opportunities for connection, professional growth, and personal renewal all in one place.
Share some of your community involvement efforts!
At SHIFT Work + Play, we believe in giving back to the community that supports us. We offer nonprofit discounts on meeting and event space and donate space whenever we’re able. For example, we donate our space for the Frederick Children’s Chorus Saturday morning classes. We also collaborate with local organizations and small business owners to offer programming that supports both parents and professionals.
Personally, I’m grateful for the chance to give back through the Chamber as well. I serve as a volunteer Chamber Ambassador and an active member of the Women in Business Committee. In particular, I’m proud to serve on the SHE Pitch Committee, supporting local female entrepreneurs. Participating in SHE Pitch was an important part of my own origin story, and it means a great deal to now help uplift the next wave of Frederick women business owners.
What do you do best?
What we do best is offer a seamless, hybrid experience for working parents: a place where you can focus on your professional goals, connect with other motivated adults, and know your child is nearby, safe, engaged and enjoying their own kind of productive play. Members consistently say our playroom environment and staff are what set us apart—parents tell us they don’t just “drop off” kids, they see them engaging in meaningful play and social interaction while they’re getting stuff done. We curate both the adult workspace (quiet zones, phone booths, thoughtfully designed shared spaces) and the kid-space (Montessori-inspired playroom, calm, creative environment) in a way that makes each feel intentional and quality-driven.
Is there anything else you want the Chamber to know about?
We have something special coming up that I’d love the Chamber community to know about. On December 6, we’re hosting our Holiday Mamas’ Market at SHIFT Work + Play: a curated, family-friendly market featuring local mom-made and women-owned small businesses. It’s a chance to shop intentionally for the holidays while supporting talented local makers. We’ll have a mix of handmade goods, treats, gifts, and services, all created by moms in our community.
The market is open to the public, and our goal is to highlight and uplift women entrepreneurs during one of the busiest seasons of the year. It’s also an opportunity for families to enjoy a relaxed, community-oriented shopping experience inside our family-friendly coworking space. We’re excited to welcome neighbors, Chamber members, and supporters to join us and celebrate local women-owned businesses.
Frederick Chamber Insights is a news outlet of the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce. For more information about membership, programs and initiatives, please visit our website.