Family Coworking: Why So Few?
Coworking spaces that cater to parents and children remain few and far between. What’s holding this model back in Spain?
Why Are Family-Focused Coworking Spaces Still So Rare?
The concept of family-oriented coworking spaces is still relatively new in Spain. Launching one requires a significant initial investment, and while there's growing interest, actual demand remains limited.
One of the main missteps in this business model has been failing to prioritize the real needs of the end user. Even though the advantages of family-friendly coworking seem obvious, this model has yet to gain solid ground.
If you're thinking about starting your own coworking space that includes childcare, this uncertainty might be one of the main factors holding you back.
In this article, I want to share my perspective on why coworking spaces that incorporate childcare services are still so few and far between in Spain.
The Evolution of Family Coworking and “CoBaby” Concepts in Spain
A quick search for terms like “coworking with children” reveals how limited the landscape still is. (Proudly, CoFamily Coworking appears at the top of those results.) You’ll find very few initiatives launched before 2016.
However, there is one early example: back in 2013, CoworkingSpain Magazine reported on Valkiria (Barcelona) introducing a Co-baby service. A few years later, they changed their approach and opted to partner with a nearby daycare instead. What prompted this shift?
Then, in 2016, we saw the emergence of Proyecta Cowork (Tenerife), CoFamily Coworking (Granada), and CoBaby Barcelona.
The following year, CoBaby Madrid launched.
In 2018, two more spaces opened in Málaga: El Círculo and Concilia Working.
Family Coworkings and the Challenge of Work-Life Balance
An article in El País (2018) highlighted CoFamily Coworking as an example of how childcare can be integrated into a professional space. But even today, this model is still in its early stages—not yet widespread or firmly established in the coworking sector.
In my view, the main reason is simple: it's a new concept with few working examples, and the ideal target audience is still not fully defined or understood.