1)When you are doing something productive or being productive near a counter or a counter-like surface.
Objects can also be
counter productive, as in
shelves or knife-holders.
2)When you are productive near something that has
counting abilities or data-collecting abilities.
Contrary to popular belief, this does not have a negative connotation.
That
organizer Ned bought from the store was very
counter-productive!
Mary, you are so counter-productive in the kitchen with your excellent cooking!
The scientists are very counter-productive with that machine that records data by
counting each trial!