I recently came across an online debate about kids in the workplace, specifically in commercial offices, and the opinions were polarizing. People were either firmly against it, saying “absolutely not,” or in favor of it, with the caveat of having clear policies. I believe it can work, but only with clear guidelines and an enforceable policy that fairly considers the needs of all employees, including those without children, while also taking into account the work environment. There is a significant difference between having children in a shared physical office space versus at home during working hours, and policies must align with the specific nature of the business and its operations.

Reflecting on my own experience, I started my first business in my 20s, working from a home office while breastfeeding an infant. My second company took off in my 30s, when I was balancing a school-aged child and a newborn. By my 40s, I launched my third venture while juggling growing kids and aging family members. My first dedicated workspace was a 10×12 spare bedroom, and my first commercial office was a modest three-room suite next to a gas station. There were many evenings when work and life collided, and I had to bring my kids to the office out of necessity. In fact, the featured image for this post is inspired by an old photo of my daughter (now in college) and her Girl Scout troop in one of those first commercial offices, where they earned their Technology/STEM badges after business hours.

The Pandemic’s Lessons: Rethinking Workplaces and Employee Expectations

In 2020, the pandemic shifted many workers into home offices, some temporarily during quarantine, others for an extended or indefinite period. For many, especially those caring for children or other family members, remote work offered a more manageable balance between life and work, greater autonomy, and the benefit of time saved by eliminating commutes. This change in physical environment became a game-changer for parents and caregivers. Now, as more businesses push for employees to return to physical offices, there is growing resistance. Smart companies are redefining the role of office spaces, understanding their importance for fostering collaboration, building culture, and aligning on goals, while thoughtfully adapting to evolving employee expectations.

Having worked remotely since the 1990s, when it was still called “telecommuting,” I understand both perspectives. The push to bring employees back to physical offices offers businesses an opportunity to reevaluate the function of the physical office and the challenges families face. While the responsibility for caregiving ultimately rests with caregivers, companies have a unique chance to create policies that empower employees to do their best work while maintaining work-life balance that works for them.

In the end, work and life are interconnected. Businesses that embrace this reality by hiring aligned talent and establishing clear, mutually agreed-upon guidelines and policies will create an environment that fosters happier, more productive teams. Work is life. Life is work.