)
It is forbidden for an employee at work to spend time doing anything else – talking on the phone, texting, surfing the internet, and the like – without his or her employer’s approval. If they agreed the employee is to have a half-hour lunch break, the worker should not take longer, as anyone who wastes time at work is stealing from the employer. It is proper for employees to make sure they eat and sleep properly. If they are tired or hungry at work, they will not be at their best, and thus are “stealing” from their employer. This is illustrated by our forefather Jacob. The Torah makes a point of telling us of his great righteousness in devotedly watching Laban's sheep, even during the cold winter nights and hot summer days. As a reward, when Jacob was in danger, God saved his life and the lives of his family members. For in God’s eyes, doing one’s work well is a tremendous thing. Additionally, being reliable and industrious at work is a tried-and-true recipe for economic success.
