What concept involves preventing rework and saving work hours?

Productivity is best described as the concept that involves preventing rework and saving work hours. It focuses on maximizing output while minimizing inputs, which means achieving more in less time and with fewer resources. When productivity is improved, processes become more efficient, leading to fewer mistakes that require redoing tasks. This not only saves time but also optimizes the use of resources, allowing employees to focus on high-value activities rather than correcting errors.

In the context of the other options, while efficiency relates to accomplishing tasks with minimal waste, productivity encompasses a broader range of outcomes, including output rates and the overall effectiveness of processes. Quality control is important for ensuring that the work meets certain standards, but it does not directly address the aspect of saving work hours. Time management, although crucial for organizing work schedules, primarily focuses on how effectively time is allocated rather than on the overall productivity in terms of output and efficiency in the completion of tasks.