Workplace Chaplaincy – Connecting Australia’s Coworking Communities

1 week ago

In the bustling suburbs and inner-city hubs of Melbourne, a growing network of premium coworking spaces is doing more than simply offering desks and meeting rooms. Waterman Workspaces has set itself apart by championing both business success and personal wellbeing.

Since launching its first location in 2016, Waterman has grown to more than 20 centres across Melbourne — spanning Chadstone, Clayton, Richmond, Moorabbin, Collins Street, and beyond — with further sites in development. The company provides flexible coworking memberships, dedicated desks, private offices, virtual offices, and well-designed meeting rooms that aim to boost productivity while building genuine community connections.

What makes Waterman particularly notable is its recognition that people bring far more than just their work into the office. In response, the company is pioneering a Volunteer Workplace Chaplaincy program designed to embed relational care into the everyday life of its coworking communities.

A New Approach to Workplace Wellbeing

Waterman’s spaces are already known for being collaborative, vibrant, and supportive, thanks to dedicated Community Managers and an emphasis on connection. The new chaplaincy initiative takes this commitment further by introducing proactive, compassionate support into the workday.

Volunteer Workplace Chaplains will offer a consistent, approachable presence. Rather than acting as formal counsellors or religious leaders, they serve as caring listeners and community facilitators who respect the diverse beliefs, backgrounds, and experiences of everyone in the space.

What the Role Looks Like at Waterman

Volunteer Chappys commit to four (4) hours per week at one of Waterman’s Melbourne sites. The role centres on the urban chaplaincy model being a steady, supportive figure in the community in the following areas:

Building community — Greeting members, making introductions, and helping facilitate simple events such as breakfast gatherings.
Providing relational support — Offering a calm, confidential space for conversations about work, family, personal challenges, or faith matters, with support tailored respectfully to each individual’s background.
Supporting wellbeing — Assisting members and staff during times of stress, grief, illness, conflict, or significant life changes, while promoting resilience and a healthier workplace culture.
Being visible and approachable — Serving as a trustworthy point of contact for site-related issues, informal check-ins, and referrals to specialist support when needed.
Maintaining professionalism — Upholding strict confidentiality, clear professional boundaries, and consistent attendance to foster trust.
Growing with the program — Participating in training, supervision, quarterly professional development (CPD), and basic interaction reporting.

The focus remains on being fully present without being intrusive — listening deeply, noticing what support is needed, and guiding people toward appropriate help.

Waterman’s Strong Support for its Chappys

Waterman is throwing its commitment behind its chaplains, offering:

Regular mentoring and personal support
Quarterly training opportunities
Funded training and accreditation
Opportunities to grow as the chaplaincy program expands across their network

Shady Gendy, Head of Chaplaincy at Waterman’s said, “The ideal volunteers are warm, curious, and emotionally resilient people who are genuinely interested in people from all walks of life.”

Beyond the Desk: A New Approach to Workplace Wellbeing

In an age where many people feel more-isolated despite constant digital connection, its programs like Waterman’s that provide an opportunity for workplaces to support community flourishing.

This practical, relational approach to workplace care represents a thoughtful form of urban mission — one that brings grace and support into the heart of everyday working life.

How You Can Get Involved in Workplace Chaplaincy

If you have a heart for caring for people where they work, the team at Waterman would love to hear from you. Download Watermans program document for more information or reach out to Shady Gendy, Head of Chaplaincy at Waterman Workspaces chaplaincy@waterman.com.au.

Urbanrevs graduates can use their certificate for Waterman’s accreditation.