WORK, in its various forms, is a fundamental part of life. We all need to do it, but it isn’t always pleasant and often takes a lot of energy. It can change us in a variety of ways, giving us discipline, wisdom, skill and knowledge. But it can also suck up our time, drain our energy and destroy our relationships. It can make us cynical, jaded and less caring. Or it can give us purpose, passion and energy to live a better life. It can transform our lives and our world.
In physics, work is defined as the amount of energy transferred to or from an object via the application of force over a displacement. It is measured in SI units of joule (newton-metre-second), but can be expressed in non-SI units such as watt, erg and foot-pound. Work can also be converted to energy using the equation: W = F
We all encounter situations that seem to be work in the sense that it transfers energy, but are not work in the scientific sense. A common example is when Superman stops a car from moving downhill. In this case, he is holding the vehicle to prevent the truck from moving downwards, but the force is not changing in magnitude over time and therefore it does no work.
A more accurate and precise definition of work is the kinetic energy of an object over its entire trajectory, defined by its linear velocity and angular velocity. This can be calculated by solving the corresponding equations: W = K
The kinetic energy of an object is also dependent on the direction of displacement with respect to the applied force, and can be negative if the force is in a direction opposite to its motion. An example of this is the centripetal force of a ball in uniform circular motion constrained to its radius by the internal forces on the ball and supporting pulley.
Working from home is an increasingly popular option for both employers and employees alike, with the ability to avoid a long commute and reduce distractions giving workers more energy to focus on their work. This also benefits the environment, by saving money on fuel and reducing carbon emissions. However, if companies want their remote workforce to perform at their best, they need to equip them with the tools and advice they need to create comfortable and productive workspaces. This includes providing training on how to create distraction-free environments and support for managers on managing their remote staff effectively. It’s essential to know your rights at work too, with Citizens Advice having information on contracts, working hours, sick pay and parental leave. You can also check your rights to a reasonable adjustment for health and disability at work with the ADAA.