2.1: Extended Definition EssayASSIGNMENT: Write a 3-5 page double-spaced (750-1250 word) essay, using the techniques and elements of informative writing that you have just learned, in which you select
John Doe Workplace Writing 1 Touchstone 2.1 August 4th, 2023 Productivity Productivity typically describes accomplishing something quickly and efficiently. Being productive in this sense might be defined as, “having the quality or power of producing especially in abundance” (Merriam -Webster n.d.). The faster the rate of producin g, or the shorter the time frame, the more productive we might say one is. However, a more meaningful definition of productivity in many instances is one that consider the human element, and provides a broader perspective that includes effective prioritiza tion and the ability to say no to distractions. Beyond just output, genuine productivity involves optimizing resources, time management, and maintaining focus on tasks that align with one's goals and values. This essay primarily focuses on productivity in the workplace as it extends the traditional definition of productivity to include the essential skills of prioritizing and resisting distractions. By adopting this redefined view of productivity, individuals can enhance their efficiency, achieve meaningful outcomes, and nurture a balanced and purposeful life. In the context of the workplace, productivity extends far beyond meeting job -related demands. Workers in a professional setting face the challenge of balancing their professional commitments with their family and household responsibilities. Productivity in this context involves a delicate balance between providing quality reuslts in the workplace and managing a healthy home life. Professionals must effectively manage their time and prioritize tasks at work, while also ensuring that their families receive the attention they deserve. In other words, producctivity in a human context involves more than just working as fast as you can; it involves balance and prioritization. A project may experience a delay, for e xample, while team members negotiate competing visions in order to maintain healthy relationships within the team.Prioritization may also be given to aspects of a project that don’t necessarily speed up development, such as research and development or saf ety testing, both necessary components to the successful launch of a product, and, therefore, to productivity. In cases such as these, the short -term setback that may be perceived as a lowering of productivety could very well ensure that productivity over the long term is maintained. Clearly, when defining what productivity looks like, it is importnat to consider not just the present, but also to take in the long -term perspective. Another element to consider when defining productivity that involves human labor is the importance of balance between work and home life, and the need to sometimes prioritize homelife. Any definition of productivity in the workplace should consider that em ployees must navigate the complexities of balancing their professional commitments with family and household responsibilities. Often faced with demanding work schedules, long hours, and working later than scheduled, people may struggle to find time for the ir loved ones and personal interests. Yet, a redefined view of productivity enables them to find a balance that nurtures their well -being and maintains meaningful connections with their families. Today, perceived productivity may go down in the workplace a s one is scheduling time away to care for a sick loved one, for example, but this same time away may then allow that employee to return more able to focus and be productive because the issue at home has been resolved. Once again in this case, what may be s een initially as a barrier to productivity becomes a boon over time. In conclusion, the definition of productivity in the workplace should be extended to include home and worklife balance, and the prioritization of interests that may not obviously increase productivity in the short term, but will enusre stable, productive w ork year in and year out. Truly stable productivity in the workplace will only come when a company defines productivity within the context of its employees’ mental and physical health, healthy relations between employees, and the necessary components of a project that do not directly or obviously contribute to growth. By keeping this extended definition in mind, companies will surely find themselves more productive in the long term, while also providing an environment in which workers thrive. References Merriam -Webster (n.d.). Merriam -Webster Dictionary. Retrieved August 4, 2023, from https://www.merriam -webster.com/dictionary/productive REFLECTION RESPONSES 1. The significance of my essay is to extend the meaning of productivity, to include the human health and the long -term view. This is something that many organizations overlook (as do many people in their own lives). Trading short -term gains for long -term dis function and poor health is no bargain. 2. I would say that analyzing and organization was most helpful for me. I do struggle with the flow of my essays as well as finding creative ways to draw in the reader. I do try to find words that are more professional, so I sometimes use the thesaurus for fi nding synonyms, ect. 3. My strength would be that I revise a lot. I usually write my rough draft, and then try to get away from it for a while so that I return with frest eyes. My weakness is thinking of enough things to say. It does feel like my mind just runs out of words and t hen I can’t think of anything more to add. When this happens, I may do some freewriting or mind mapping to help me generate ideas.
