In few words, what would you say work ethic is? If I said, "Keeping commitments without requiring followup.", what would I be missing?
"Self-motivated, great attitude, willingness to be a team player, timely response, polite but firm conviction, courageous decision-making understanding the risks and a great sense of fulfillment".
Not possible to say it better than this. कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन। मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि॥ २-४७ Work ethic is working for work's sake, regardless of the outcome. Being intrinsically motivated by the desire to be productive, and performing to the best of your ability while remaining indifferent to extrinsic inducements like reward, praise or criticism. Working not for praise or reward but to be worthy of said praise/reward.
Not much would be missing. In few words: Keep commitments, do the tangible to-do's, heed the tangible do-not-do's, with follow-up being required only very occasionally. In two words: Be reliable.
The above is the governing factor. Added to that is what my hubby always tells- make your boss look good.
I agree, we wouldn't be missing much. To me, if one can work with the same level of diligence and commitment whether in office or remotely, then that person has a great work ethic. I think professionalism & work ethic overlap on this one.
Do your best with the great attitude as per the rules towards the common goal(success of the the company or project not focusing on individual glory) while being humble and thankful for the opportunity.
In the modern today's world - it also means focusing (giving your cent percent) to work while you are working (be it office work or home work or kids care or studying, applying for jobs or ...), without mixing constant distractions (be it social media sites, IL, mobile, whatsapp or whichever continuous interaction mediums). Without focus and/or commitment - to any task - how else can it be work ethic.
Is it also possible sometimes that social media (minor distractions) may actually enhance productivity? Like if in the middle of my work , I checked ILs & happen to read @Amica 's funny response to my comment on her status or see @Ragini25 's message, I would immediately get excited & happy & more cheerful in my work.. isn't that how we humans are geared? I remember during my professional studies, a music distraction on the side actually made me more efficient & cheerful. In fact even with work I am the same, love music running parallel..
music (and that too certain types, instrumental or mild melodies) can help focusing. Music is vastly different than some other types mentioned here. Besides if truly its (the other types) are helping one then go for it, in moderation. (in general though, its an exception rather than norm).