What “work” looks like (blog.jim-nielsen.com)

Article summary

The article discusses the concept of 'work' and how it is often misunderstood as requiring constant collaboration and visibility. Research from MIT found that brainstorming can actually reduce creativity, and the author argues that meaningful work can be done alone and away from the computer. The article also touches on the idea that companies often prioritize the appearance of work over actual productivity. The author suggests that allowing employees to work independently and take breaks can lead to more innovative and effective solutions.

Main themes

• meaningful work
• collaboration vs solo work
• productivity and creativity
• measurement and valuation of work
• work-life balance
• bullshit jobs and their impact

What commenters say

• Some commenters argue that the problem lies not in the concept of work itself, but in how it is measured and valued by companies.
• Others believe that collaborative work can be beneficial, but only when done in moderation and with a clear understanding of its limitations.
• There is a disagreement about the impact of 'bullshit jobs' on the economy and environment, with some arguing that it is a significant problem and others claiming it is overhyped.
• A few commenters share their personal experiences of finding that solo work and taking breaks can lead to increased productivity and creativity.
• Some argue that the pressure to appear busy and the blurring of lines between work and personal time can lead to burnout and decreased motivation.
• Others suggest that companies should focus on outcome-based evaluation rather than hours worked or appearance of busyness.
• A few commenters mention that the concept of 'work' can be nuanced and context-dependent, and that what constitutes meaningful work can vary greatly from person to person.