Reflecting on Work: Science Meets the Workplace

In science, “work” is a term with a specific meaning: it’s the transfer of energy through force along a distance. When energy transfers successfully, there’s a measurable result. But this concept can be more than a physics lesson. It’s actually a valuable way to think about our work habits in the workplace. By viewing work as a transfer of energy, we can begin to see where our efforts go, whether they’re productive, and how to keep ourselves focused on tasks that truly matter.

The Science Behind Work: Energy Transfer and Its Impact

In physics, work happens when energy moves an object in a specific direction through force. If power is effectively transferred, the object gains energy — a clear, measurable result. In our jobs, we also transfer energy. Instead of moving objects, though, we’re moving ideas, projects, or goals forward. When our energy is directed well, we get meaningful results, whether that’s a completed project, a successful outcome, or simply a satisfying day.

Though in science, positive work increases energy, in the workplace positive energy transfer can mean hitting targets, learning new skills, or building something that benefits customers. When we apply our energy where it matters, we create value. The key is that positive work feels like progress because there’s a result to show for it.

A helpful question to ask yourself is: Where is my energy going? If it’s moving toward something productive and meaningful, that’s good work. If you find your energy going nowhere, it is time to make adjustments. Reflecting on where your energy goes is an effective tool for verifying whether you are doing good work and creating value.

What is Good Work? Productive Energy and Valuable Results

Good work isn’t just about effort; it’s about aiming that effort in the right direction. In simple terms, productive work is energy put toward tasks that bring results.

That might be working on a project that upskills your team, learning something new, or completing client work that creates customer value, not simply completing tasks to get the project moving. This kind of work not only gets things done but builds on itself, often giving back more than you put in.

Good Work vs. Wasted Effort: Focusing on Value

Just putting in time isn’t necessarily good work. There’s a difference between staying busy and truly adding value. Good work results in outcomes you can see, measure, or feel good about. Ask yourself: is this task something that will make a difference? If not, it might be worth rethinking where to focus your energy.

The more we can focus on tasks that bring value, the better we become at creating outcomes we’re proud of. This doesn’t mean everything we do will have instant, obvious results. But if we get into the habit of directing our energy toward productive tasks, we’ll see a cumulative effect. Over time, we find ourselves making progress in a direction that matters.

Understanding Bad Work: The Trap of Wasted Energy

Bad work isn’t “no work” — it’s the work that doesn’t get us anywhere. Unlike good work, bad work takes up energy without a worthwhile outcome. This might look like tasks that aren’t needed, distractions that pull you away, or busy work that fills up the day without a purpose. Lousy work doesn’t add value, and often, it drains us more than it gives back.

Our energy and time are limited. When we use energy on activities that don’t move us forward, we’re essentially losing value. This is why energy management matters in the workplace. By focusing our energy on meaningful work, we avoid the feeling of spinning our wheels and instead feel the satisfaction of moving forward.

Workplace Energy Drain: The Cost of Unfocused Efforts

Unfocused or misdirected efforts can feel like running on a treadmill — much energy spent, but no progress made. Whether it’s too many meetings, unnecessary documents, or scattered priorities, energy drains are a common part of modern workplaces. To avoid these traps, it’s helpful to be selective about where we put our energy and to question whether each task truly contributes to our goals.

Strategies to Maximize Positive Work and Minimize Waste

To make sure your energy goes where it’s needed, start with priorities. Having clear goals or priorities makes it easier to say “yes” to work that adds value and “no” to work that doesn’t. Try listing your top tasks each day, focusing on what will have the most impact, and work from there. This way, you’re constantly directing your energy toward what matters most.

Making time for reflection helps keep our efforts on track. Reflecting on your work can be as simple as asking: Did this work make a difference? Or How can I do this better next time? Simple reflection questions keep us aware of where our energy is going and help us adjust to focus on productive work.

Practical Tips for Managing Workplace Energy Effectively

Lastly, here are some practical ways to maximise positive work and reduce waste:

• Set boundaries for focused work time to reduce distractions. Block time in your calendar for value-creation tasks
• Limit low-impact tasks and check if they’re essential. It's OK to say no. Discuss bad work practices with your manager. If your manager does not listen, it's time to find another job.
• Seek feedback from others to keep your work aligned with the team’s goals.
• Revisit your goals periodically to ensure you’re moving in the right direction.

Being mindful of where your energy goes is one of the simplest ways to feel more productive and fulfilled at work. By focusing on good work, avoiding lousy jobs, and making time to reflect, we can spend our days adding real value and enjoying the results of our efforts.

Final Thoughts

Reflecting on work, in the scientific and practical sense, can help us stay focused on tasks that matter. The idea of transferring energy toward a goal can remind us to make each effort count.

So, as you go about your day, consider one simple question: Where is my energy going? The answer might be the key to a more efficient, fulfilling, and meaningful work life.