Q: [Mavericks Update Issue] Power button does not put computer to sleep.

Jarrod - maybe try holding it down 3, 4 seconds? That discrepancy with your IMac at home vs at work could be beyond me - probably some server/security thing that someone way more knowledgable in that area than myself could help you with - assuming its the same iMac? But I wouldnt bet that you are transporting your desktop like that every morning and night to and from work/home ... soooo, Id say, check your update history in the appstore and your iMac at work - maybe it didnt complete or is an older update? I dont know, if theyre different computers, different years, etc. than it could be a lot of things - kind of like I said earlier - if it becomes bothersome enough, seek a pro.

And pappasike - Thank you for answering my question! It worked for me; brought up that familiar shutdown/sleep/whatever menu.

Goodluck guys!

Yes, this works.  In fact, anything slightly longer than a tap will work.  All the way up to the 1.5-2 seconds to get the menu of more options.  As long as you release before that menu and press for longer than a "tap", the computer will sleep immediately.

New things can be confusing in a silly manner sometimes. I guess a little rephrasing should work:

Tap: Just a tap on the key

Press: Where you press the key firmly but not hold on to it. Kinda like pressing a "metal snap button".

Hold: Where you actually hold on to pressing the key for—I would say—around or more than 2 seconds.

Solution to Post:

Just Press the Power Key firmly and it will go to sleep.

If you hold on to it for around 3 seconds or more it will display the Shut Down options so simply Press firmly and leave.

Additional Tip: After pressing the Power Key, say "1 Mississippi" (a little quick) and leave the Key. This should give you a clear idea of how long to Press it for.

Verdict: I actually like this setting since it saves accidental Sleep. And, as I said in the start, it can seem confusing in the start because it's new but it is actually quite convenient.

This is the actual solution!!! THANKS!!!!

Yes! This is very helpful and for me it definately counts as the solution to the problem!