SHIFT Work + Play is Frederick’s one and only coworking space designed to support parenting professionals and their families. They offer staffed play sessions so parents can work while their kids play!
A Conversation with Megan Donovan, Owner
Tell us your business or organization origin story!
A little over 3 years ago, I was having a typical conversation with my partner: who would be home with the kids for certain hours of the day while the other one took care of work responsibilities. As the Associate Director of Policy for an international nonprofit, I had several important virtual meetings to attend. My partner owns a local restaurant and food truck, so he had tasks to take care of outside of our home. Our kids were both under 7 at the time and were home from school due to an in-service day.
As someone who worked from home most days, I had been interested in the idea of coworking for a while. After the isolation of the Covid-19 pandemic, I was craving community and a chance to get out of my attic office. Suddenly it came to me: what if I could access a coworking space with a playroom? My kids could have fun instead of using screens while I got my work done. I could have a more professional background for my conference calls, and I could meet other working parents in the same position.
I immediately got to work on a business plan. Just over one year later, on November 28, 2022, our very first members started working out of our location on N. East St. This month we’re celebrating our second anniversary and I could not be more excited to keep growing and expanding as we head into 2025!
What do you like most about being a business or organization located in Frederick County?
I love learning finding creative ways to support and partner with the many amazing businesses and community organizations we are fortunate to have throughout the area. We’ve partnered with local entrepreneurs, businesses and nonprofits to offer classes, events, supply drives, workshops and more – always with the goal of supporting not just our members but other parents, professionals and their families in our community.
What makes your business or organization unique?
We are the only coworking space in Frederick designed by and for parents and their families.
SHIFT’s thoughtful design is apparent from the moment you step in the door. Our beautiful, Montessori-inspired playroom and other kid-friendly spaces are located in the front of our suite, where they are easy to access and separated from the adult work areas. Down the hall, our members access modern, professional office amenities in a quiet and calm environment. Not all of our members use the playroom, but everyone at SHIFT appreciates the challenges of working and parenting, so it’s a wonderfully welcoming and supportive community, especially for parents who are in the thick of it with young children.
What do you want your business or organization to be known for, or what do you wish people knew about your business or organization?
We are a membership-based coworking space offering staffed play sessions for ages 18 months – 6 years old. Each 3-hour play session includes a planned craft or activity and lots of open-ended play in our calm, nurturing, onsite play room. We are not a daycare; parents must remain onsite while their children play. This gives kids the opportunity to practice separating from their parents in a supportive, low-stress environment and parents the opportunity to get some work done knowing their kids are safe and having fun nearby – perfect for when a quick snack, cuddle or check-in is called for!
Share some of your community involvement efforts!
Our mission is to support parents, professionals and families and that extends out into our community as well. To date, we’ve hosted 3 “Kids Kindness” event organized by a local partner in support of SHIP of Frederick County, plus several supply drives for local causes and nonprofits. We also offer non-profit discounts for meeting and event space.
In addition, the Frederick County Chamber of Commerce played a key role in my journey to opening SHIFT Work + Play, so now I give back by volunteering as an Ambassador and as a member of the Women in Business Committee.
What do you do best?
SHIFT Work + Play fills an important gap for parents by offering part-time, flexible babysitting services and a work environment designed with families in mind. Members can book the play sessions they need and there’s no penalty for changes or cancellations. We have dedicated spaces for parents with younger kids, a beautiful lactation and wellness room, and classes and events that support business and parenting goals.
Is there anything else exciting about your business that you want the Chamber membership to know about?
As we approach our second anniversary, we’ve been updating our space and amenities. We added another private office and have a beautiful dedicated desk room with space available for new members. All our private office and dedicated desk memberships come with a business identity package that includes a professional business address, mail service and more – perfect for small business owners and entrepreneurs looking to create a professional image both online and in-person!
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.