In physics, work is the transfer of energy from one object to another. When a force is applied to an object that is already in motion, the work done by the force will increase its speed or direction of motion. This is because the object has kinetic energy, which is the product of its linear velocity and angular velocity. In a more general context, work can be transferred between the potential energy of mechanical systems, the thermal energy of thermal systems, or even between electrical devices. The SI unit of work is the joule (J).
In many cultures, the concept of work is deeply embedded in social identity. It may be a marker of status, an indicator of virtue, or the means to provide for oneself and family members. A common feature of work is some element of sustained effort, from gathering natural resources in hunter-gatherer groups to operating complex machines within industrialized societies. It also typically involves a hierarchy of skills, experience, and seniority that are associated with different types of work in a given society.
While some activities may appear to be work, others are not. A sport is considered a job for a professional athlete who earns their living from it, but it might be a hobby for someone who plays it for personal enjoyment. Similarly, self-care or basic habits like eating and sleeping are not normally considered to be work.
The definition of work is complex, and it can vary widely from one society to the next. It can also depend on the specific activities involved, as well as the circumstances of their performance. For example, in some societies, the act of writing an email is often not seen as work, whereas the act of driving an automobile is.
Humans have always needed to create value in order to survive, and their ability to do so has evolved over time. The value created may be tangible, such as goods and services, or intangible, such as knowledge, creativity, and emotional connections. While some people are naturally good at creating value, most require training to develop these abilities.
The future of work will require reenvisioning how we do our jobs, where we do them, and when we do them. It will also require rethinking management systems and work environments to support the development of curiosity, imagination, creativity, intuition, empathy, and social intelligence. Organizations that succeed in the transition to a new definition of work will find themselves with employees who are intrinsically motivated to explore and pursue domains of impact, meaning, and value creation. They will also find themselves with workforces that are equipped to identify and solve unseen problems and opportunities.
