One of the things that I truly love about working remotely, whether it’s hybrid or full-time, is just there’s this ability to do deep work, that I just can’t always do in the office.
– Marisa on her ability to do more deep work in a remote environment
Mastering the Art of Hybrid Work: A Day in the Life of Marisa Eikenberry
In today’s ever-evolving work landscape, the concept of the office has undergone a profound transformation. The ongoing shift toward remote and hybrid work models is reshaping the way we perceive work-life balance and productivity. Marisa Eikenberry, a web developer, podcast editor, podcast producer, and tech support guru at the Kevin Eikenberry Group, embodies the quintessential hybrid employee—a role that bridges the gap between traditional office life and the flexibility of remote work.
On this latest episode of the Work From Home Forever podcast, we’ll explore Marisa’s unique journey, insights, and the invaluable lessons she’s learned from her nine years of navigating the intricate world of hybrid work.
Hybrid Work: Marisa’s Unique Perspective
Although we typically feature fully remote stories on the podcast, Marisa stands out as a refreshing and distinctive guest on our show. At a time when many companies are contemplating the return to in-office work and remote employees are transitioning to hybrid work environments, her perspective offers a unique vantage point.
A staunch advocate of the hybrid work model, Marisa cherishes its ability to strike a delicate balance between in-office necessities and remote work’s myriad advantages. Certain aspects of her job, such as video shooting and collaborative in-person meetings, require a physical presence at the office. Yet, the flexibility of remote work empowers her to delve into deep work, boosting her productivity and allowing for a seamless blend of personal and professional life.
Embracing the Can-Do Philosophy
Marisa’s organization takes a forward-thinking approach to remote work, championing a “can do” philosophy. Instead of imposing rigid in-office requirements, the company places trust in its employees, empowering them to make choices that optimize their work environments. Marisa typically spends two days in the office but adapts this schedule based on her boss’s travel plans and project requirements. This flexibility extends to her colleagues, who are primarily remote workers.
Her journey into the world of hybrid work began with a drastic shift. After starting her career at the Kevin Eikenberry Group as a 100% in-office employee, life circumstances led her to negotiate a remote position when she moved three hours away from the corporate offices. Later, she returned to full-time office work until the pandemic prompted her shift back to a fully remote role. Her organization’s adaptability is evident in its willingness to accommodate employees’ changing circumstances and projects, offering an encouraging environment for growth and development.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life
Marisa’s transition from in-office work to a 100% remote position is a testament to the value of flexibility. While remote work allows her to dive deep into projects, eliminating the distractions and side conversations typical of office life, she acknowledges the importance of in-person connections. As an extrovert, she thrives on the personal interactions and social bonds formed during face-to-face meetings.
Despite the convenience of communication tools like Slack and Zoom, Marisa underscores the irreplaceable essence of in-person interactions. These interactions, which extend beyond work-related topics to include family updates, weekend plans, and book recommendations, offer a sense of fulfillment that technology-driven connections cannot fully replicate.
The Daily Ritual of Lunch
A unique aspect of Marisa’s hybrid work life is her daily lunch ritual with her husband, a tradition that began during the pandemic. Their lunch hour, which includes a leisurely walk, allows them to step away from their desks and connect in person. This simple yet meaningful practice not only enhances their mental well-being but also strengthens their relationship, fostering a sense of normalcy during challenging times.
Effective Communication in a Hybrid Team
In a hybrid and remote team, effective communication is paramount. Marisa and her colleagues rely on Slack as their go-to communication tool. To manage expectations and maintain a harmonious work-life balance, Marisa updates her Slack status when stepping away for her daily lunches or when she needs uninterrupted time for deep work. This transparent approach facilitates a cohesive workflow.
Marisa’s Preferred Work Modality
Marisa’s preferences in work modality are clear. She ranks 100% in-office work as her least preferred option, citing the rigidity of the model in contrast to the flexibility and efficiency enabled by today’s technology. Full remote work, while offering personal interactions, falls slightly short in providing the touchpoints she values. The hybrid work model, however, is her top choice, offering a perfect blend of personal connections, deep work opportunities, quality time with her husband, and a focus on mental well-being.
Marisa Eikenberry’s story serves as a unique perspective in the dynamic shifts in the modern workforce, emphasizing adaptability, balance, and the power of personal connections in an evolving work landscape. Her experiences provide valuable insights into the future of work, where remote and hybrid work models are transforming the way we live and work.
Connect with Marisa
- 🔗 LinkedIn: Connect with her on LinkedIn.
- 🔗 X (formerly Twitter): Connect with her on X / Twitter.
- 🎙️ Long-Distance Worklife podcast: Listen to Marisa on the Long-Distance Worklife podcast.
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Q & A with Marisa
Why did you want to Work From Home Forever?
- I kind of fell into this. I wasn’t originally a remote only employee and while I have been at times, I’m hybrid now. I do enjoy WFH but I recognize that there are pros and cons to both.
How long have you been Working From Home, Forever?
- Technically I haven’t been fully remote since September 2020. I’m a hybrid employee. But I’ve worked for The Kevin Eikenberry Group (which has always had a mix of fully remote and hybrid employees, although I’m the only hybrid employee other than the boss) for the last 9 years.
What trade offs, if any, did you make in order to Work From Home Forever?
- Didn’t really make tradeoffs but when my husband and I bought our first house we recognized that if we were both going to work remotely some or all of the time, we both needed separate office spaces. 🙂
How do you manage work/life balance Working From Home, Forever?
- One of the things I do when I’m WFH is at noon every day my husband and I step away from our desks to have lunch together. If the weather is nice we’ll take a walk beforehand but it’s a nice way to check in during the day.
What’s your best advice to others who want to Work From Home Forever?
- Communication is one of the biggest keys. Communication with anyone living in your home and communication with your remote team.
What are your three must-haves to Work From Home, Forever?
- Laptop, internet connection, and a dual screen. 😉
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