Work, a complex concept that has been debated by philosophers and economists over the centuries, involves more than just a trade of time for money. It also involves the pursuit of a purpose, an endeavor that gives meaning to life and provides the energy needed to live well.
Redefining work means changing the ways that organizations think about what work should look like and how it is accomplished. It requires addressing not only organizational structures and processes, but also leadership capabilities, management practices, and human capital systems.
The word “work” is often equated to the exertion of physical or mental effort, especially in the context of a remunerative activity that fulfills a need for self-esteem, social recognition, or financial stability. This definition is problematic, however, because it overlooks the value of work to individuals and society as a whole.
Despite the many problems associated with the common view of work, there are also several advantages to the idea. The pursuit of a purposeful goal can provide a sense of meaning, and the ability to earn a living allows people to pursue their passions and create more opportunities for themselves and others.
In physics, the concept of work is defined as the transfer of energy from one object to another through force and displacement. The amount of work done is the product of the force strength and the displacement distance. The direction of the displacement relative to the force determines whether the work is positive, negative or zero. Examples of positive work include a horse pulling a plow through the field, an athlete throwing a shot-put, and a person pushing a box across the floor.
On the other hand, negative work includes activities that deplete an individual’s energy or cause injury. For example, a car accident may result in a loss of energy, and a fall from a ladder may injure an individual’s body. In addition, the stresses of daily life can also take their toll on an individual’s productivity at work.
Regardless of the type of work, it is important to remember that no working person is impervious to the vagaries of life. Whether it is an injury, illness, relationship conflict, or natural disaster, the effects of these events can have a profound impact on an individual’s work performance. In these cases, the solitary nature of working from home might make it harder to get into a productive groove and to focus on what is really required.
