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Working alone sucks. That’s the NextSpace motto.
It does suck and as more and more people work remotely or from home, there’s an increase in the desire for proper work life balance and coworking spaces are hot. But when deciding where to work, it’s important you know about what a space offers and if they’re the right fit for you--and maybe even for your family.
We visited NextSpace in Potrero Hill and we found out what makes this place so popular.
With a background in social justice activism, community building, outdoor education and being an camper herself, Becca Israel now runs NextSpace Potrero Hill. The overall consistent theme in her life is community building. She is all about connecting with people and providing exceptional hospitality to both guests and members of NextSpace.
But, NextSpace Potrero Hill is, as Becca would describe it, “quite unique”. The two story building in the heart of the design district has a lot of natural light, high ceilings, rooftop patio, plant decor and the typical open seating, private offices and meeting rooms as other coworking spaces. What makes this coworking space unique is that it’s the only place in San Francisco that has two separate rooms for infants and toddlers to play, learn and engage with qualified teachers all day while mom or dad are working in the same building called NextKids. Yes. A quiet place to work while your toddler (or infant) is supervised by qualified childcare specialists. Brilliant. Why would any parent want to work from home ever again?
NextKids, run by Sarah Shimkunas, is a part of NextSpace and is known for its parent-friendly environment where parents who participate are asked to volunteer one hour of their week to the children’s space. This could be going with the kids on their trip to the park, helping with art time or simply playing and exploring the indoor jungle gym. Whether breastfeeding or wanting to stay close to your child during the earliest developmental stages of their life, NextKids gets it.
So, who works here?
Lawyers, tech entrepreneurs, business and nonprofit professionals and all types of “normal” adults. I say “normal” because those who aren’t parents like to sometimes think of parents as a “special” kind of adult. No, this place is full of professionals brainstorming over white boards, conducting business calls and fully engaged in their businesses. In the last year, NextSpace has increased their membership from 30 to almost 100. To add to their unique experience, is that this coworking space has lots of women from diverse backgrounds--and not all are moms. According to Becca, only about 20 percent of members are actually parents who bring their kids. What this means is that there is a greater need being met here that is attracting the people who want to work here.
So, what is it about this place?
Once you meet Becca, you’ll know why. Becca runs NextSpace in a way that her members find warm and inviting. Her goal is to make this space a transparent, open and inclusive place for men and women. Her camp counselor and college resident advisor days might be long over but her community-driven management style is very present in this adult work space.
“Anyone is welcome here. Regardless of gender,” said Becca. “ I want people to feel an organic sense of home.”
In a busy, individual, entrepreneur, tech-driven city, it seems like the need of “being a part of something” is contagious. As we see coworking and the sharing economy grow, we know the human connection is what people want and need. This coworking space also hosts events from potluck breakfasts to weekly happy hours.
NextSpace and NextKids offers a variety of different packages including the child/cafe membership that includes the care space. But, what if you don’t have a child? This coworking space is ALSO dog-friendly. Don’t have a child or dog? That’s okay. You’re not alone and you are always welcome here.
Whether you have a child or not, NextSpace and NextKids offers a unique work environment that might just be the right care that you need.