Long-Distance Worklife - A Hybrid & Remote Work Podcast

Wayne Turmel and Marisa Eikenberry dive into the hybrid work debate, comparing two very unlikely animals: mules and platypuses. Wayne introduces his humorous yet insightful analogy, explaining how a “mule” model of hybrid work is intentional and strategic, while a “platypus” model is a chaotic, unplanned combination of different parts.

They discuss the challenges many organizations face when trying to make hybrid work “work” and provide practical advice on moving from a disjointed model to one that serves both teams and the business. With the rapid evolution of remote and hybrid environments, the question becomes: is your team a well-planned mule or a hodgepodge platypus?

Key Takeaways

• What hybrid work really means and why most companies are just coping rather than strategizing.
• The difference between a mule and platypus approach in hybrid work.
• How strategic hybrid teams balance not only where but also when work happens.
• Practical steps to move from a platypus hybrid model to a mule-like, intentional approach.
• The importance of understanding both asynchronous and synchronous work in a hybrid setting.