If you have two people who are assigned the same work and given the same resources/tools, but one person is more efficient/skilled and get their work done in 4 hours a day, would you penalize the more efficient worker for not being glued to their computer and running errands or going to the gym instead? (Say that they ask the team if anyone needs help, they are responsive to emails/ims and get all their work done).

No. I would still rate them well for their project work, but I would give them feedback that they have room to accelerate their career by providing additional support in other areas and proving their capabilities better

I wouldn’t ever penalize the efficient worker. Especially if their producing quality work, responsive, and checking in with the team if they need help. May be beneficial for the other person to see how the efficient worker is organized or if they have tips and tricks.

There is no action needed here. Work got done, so we all focus on where it’s not getting done.

No don’t penalize them - that makes no sense. Can’t you find away to give them more responsibility to help them develop further and get ready a more challenging role? Inspire?

so they finish all their work efficiently, do a good job, answer all messages, and are proactive in reaching out to see how else they can help?

sounds like they’re doing a good job and are actively trying to help out further. what’s the problem here?

I wouldn’t penalize either person. I actually think we should be working (truly focused) less than 40 hours a week. So if someone on my team focuses for 25-30 hours and gets everything done, great! I’ll probably be checking in on the person grinding for 40 hours to make sure they aren’t burning out.