Managing Top Performers in a Hybrid Workplace – The Global Persp

Managing Top Performers in a Hybrid Workplace – The Global Perspective

​Dr. Cynthia Chan,
Faculty of Accountancy, Finance and Business
Tunku Abdul Rahman University of Management and Technology

Open Ended

What are some potential challenges organizations might face when addressing cultural and engagement issues in distributed global teams?

Multiple Choice

Why is it important for organizations to effectively manage top performers in a hybrid workplace from a global perspective?

• To ensure consistent productivity and innovation across diverse teams

• To reduce the need for technology in the workplace

• To encourage employees to work only from the office

• To limit cross-cultural collaboration

Multiple Choice

According to McKinsey & Company (2023), what percentage of global knowledge workers have hybrid arrangements?

• 58%

• 24%

• 80%

• 67%

Multiple Select

Which of the following are characteristics of top performers according to the presentation?

• Consistently exceed KPIs

• Demonstrate leadership & innovation

• Influence team culture positively

• Work only on-site

Open Ended

How do top performers contribute to a competitive market edge for organizations?

Multiple Choice

Which hybrid work model allows employees to choose their location and schedule freely?

• Fully flexible

• Fixed hybrid

• Role-based

• On-site only

Multiple Select

Based on the examples provided, which companies use hybrid work models, and what are their approaches?

• Atlassian: Fully Flexible

• Google: Fixed Hybrid

• HSBC: Role-Based

• Apple: Remote Only

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT listed as a key issue in performance measurement for hybrid or remote teams?

• Proximity bias risk

• Harder to observe informal contributions

• Inconsistent evaluation metrics

• Lack of digital communication tools

Multiple Select

Which of the following are engagement risks faced by remote and hybrid workers according to the data presented?

• Remote workers feel less recognized

• Higher poaching risk

• Decreased connection to company

• Increased travel expenses

Open Ended

How can cultural and geographic barriers impact the effectiveness of hybrid teams?

Multiple Choice

What was one solution Microsoft implemented to address burnout in hybrid teams?

• Mandatory overtime

• No-meeting Fridays

• Increased meeting length

• Elimination of remote work

Open Ended

Explain how clear goal setting and transparency across locations can improve team performance in hybrid work environments.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Google's Global OKR Implementation?

• All teams synchronize OKRs quarterly in a cascading process

• Results are visible to all employees through an internal dashboard

• Only managers can view OKR results

• Top performers are recognized for OKR achievement regardless of location

Open Ended

How does continuous feedback, as described in the second image, improve upon the traditional annual review process?

Multiple Select

Which of the following are components of Microsoft's Hybrid Performance System?

• Hybrid performance dashboards

• Annual reviews only

• Real-time peer recognition tools

• Quarterly check-ins

Multiple Choice

According to the slides, which type of reward has the highest retention impact for top performers?

• Monetary incentives

• Development opportunities

• Project opportunities

• Annual bonuses

Open Ended

Explain how leadership engagement strategies such as mentorship programs and executive sponsorship can impact employee retention and advancement.

Multiple Choice

Which of the following is NOT a feature of Unilever's Global Mentoring Program?

• Pairs senior leaders with high potentials across geographic boundaries

• Structured virtual mentoring sessions with specific development goals

• Cross-cultural leadership development emphasis

• Mandatory in-person mentoring sessions

Open Ended

Compare the main challenges faced by Google and Deloitte in implementing their hybrid work programs. What similarities or differences do you notice?

Multiple Select

Which of the following were solutions implemented by TCS in their Secure Borderless Workspaces (SBWS) model?

• Advanced cybersecurity infrastructure for remote work

• Mandatory office attendance for all employees

• Digital collaboration hub with AI-assisted performance analytics

• Location-agnostic project management system

Multiple Choice

According to the lessons for managers, what is the primary focus when evaluating employee performance in a hybrid work model?

• Number of hours worked in the office

• Results achieved rather than time spent

• Seniority and tenure

• Physical presence in meetings

Open Ended

What are some common practices organizations use to ensure equitable recognition and growth opportunities for employees in hybrid work environments?

Further Reading & Resources

​Asche, F., Garlock, T. M., Anderson, J. L., Pincinato, R. B., Anderson, C. M., Camp, E. V., ... & Tveteras, R. (2025). A review of global fisheries performance. Fish and Fisheries, 26(3), 444-453.

Nyberg, A. J., Schleicher, D. J., Bell, B. S., Boon, C., Cappelli, P., Collings, D. G., ... & Yakubovich, V. (2025). A brave new world of human resources research: Navigating perils and identifying grand challenges of the GenAI revolution. Journal of Management, 01492063251325188.

Open Ended

Reflecting on today's session about managing top performers in a hybrid workplace, what is one key takeaway you have about addressing cultural and engagement challenges in global teams?