One story comes to mind, though it's not so much about productivity. A friend in South Korea was running late to the office (I think it was Samsung?). He made

One story comes to mind, though it's not so much about productivity. A friend in South Korea was running late to the office (I think it was Samsung?). He made it in by his start time and went into the office bathroom for a quick shave. His direct superior happened to walk in. As the boss was washing his hands next to my friend, he said something like, "make sure you do a thorough job of shaving" (though obviously not as awkwardly). Other Koreans who heard the story confirmed this probably meant: "I see what you're doing: get yourself in order this one time, and if I ever catch you shaving at work again you're toast". (Note this was about 15 years ago, and I hear Samsung and most of the other Chaebol have mellowed out a great deal since then)