Meanings
Usage patterns
〈人〉が働きに出るfor someone to go out to work
My mother started going out to work once her children had grown up.
〈人〉の働きが認められるfor someone's contribution/performance to be recognized
Her contribution was recognized, and she was promoted.
〈物〉に〈事〉という働きがあるfor something to have a certain function or effect
This medicine has the function of reducing inflammation.
目立った働きをするto put in a notable performance
He put in a standout performance in the match.
〈物〉の働きが弱まるfor the function of something to weaken
As people age, the liver's function weakens.
Expressions
働き通しでworking right on through; working nonstop