Advice: leaving puppy home

Hi! Have a new puppy, who we love and are working on training etc, however are trying to work around our 9-5 work schedules and would love any advice.

We have got her comfortable sleeping in her bed (inside crate but not closed) and have set up a safe pen area for her with food, water, toys etc. I have a local girl coming over once per day around lunch to take her out to the toilet, cuddle, play etc for an hour or so. To start with this week she is going to come twice (in the am and then afternoon)

I won’t lie, I feel a lot of guilt. Any advice on how we can make her more comfortable, so she doesn’t sit and cry / bark all day until the walker or we come home?

Thanks!