My baby is only 5 months (almost), and I leave her in the kitchen, on ceramic tile floor, w/her bed @ one end, and food and water at the other...It's a fairly small kitchen, and she has two puddle pads, about in the middle...I think an area large enough to spread out their food/toys/puddle pads is better than a crate all day, unless someone can come in to let her out...which I know is no easy task...Good luck w/your new job, and I hope you find a resolution that works for you and your little one...
Maggie & Apple
xoxoxo