Maximizing Productivity in Remote-First and Hybrid Organizations - 2025 Next Practices Weekly

In this timely Next Practices Weekly session,  i4cp’s Tom Stone welcomed renowned “Office Whisperer” Dr. Gleb Tsipursky, alongside CHROs Liz Heitner (Penn Mutual) and Kelly Scheib (Crunchbase), for a powerful panel on leading remote-first and hybrid teams. As return-to-office mandates spark debate, this session reinforced that flexible work—done right—can drive high productivity and organizational performance.

Backed by research and hands-on experience, the panel challenged conventional thinking and explored how to cultivate belonging, trust, and business results in distributed work environments. Dr. Tsipursky’s evidence-based insights were complemented by real-world strategies from Liz and Kelly, making this a must-watch for HR leaders navigating the hybrid evolution.

Key Topics Discussed

Redefining Connection Without Mandates

Culture and belonging don’t require butts-in-seats. The panel outlined creative ways to foster community through virtual rituals, intentional in-person moments, and digital transparency.

Managing by Trust, Not Visibility

Outcome-based leadership is critical. Managers must be equipped to coach, delegate, and give feedback in hybrid settings—replacing outdated “presence equals performance” mindsets.

Onboarding the Next Generation

Early-career employees need structure and mentorship. The speakers emphasized curated onboarding journeys, peer connections, and access to leaders as keys to engagement and retention.

Proof That Remote Works

From higher productivity to lower attrition, Dr. Tsipursky shared compelling data showing hybrid and remote setups often outperform traditional models—if managed thoughtfully.

Tech as a Collaboration Multiplier

New tools are enabling smarter collaboration. The group discussed asynchronous communication, AI-enhanced feedback, and platforms that support visibility across teams and projects.

Resources Shared

Be sure to register for future Next Practices Weekly  sessions to stay ahead of these transformational trends.