Career Satisfaction

Career Satisfaction

In a recent research study on career satisfaction conducted by Forbes, it was reported that one of the primary factors influencing employee and client satisfaction was the approach taken by businesses, whether transactional or relational.

Businesses that employed a transactional approach with their employees and clients were primarily concerned with short-term gains. They encouraged their team to make sales at any cost, without much thought to the customer's needs or the long-term implications. As a result, employees viewed their work in that context and focused solely on their monthly paycheck, paying little attention to the long-term vision and goals of their work. This led to higher employee burnout and low customer loyalty.

On the other hand, businesses that chose to focus on a relational approach were primarily concerned with building long-term relationships with their team and clients. They were willing to be patient for a longer-term mutual benefit, even if that meant giving up on immediate sales. As a result, employees of these firms were invested in the long-term vision of their business and found greater satisfaction and fulfillment in their work. This also had a positive impact on their performance and work-related relationships, ultimately leading to greater client retention.

The difference between the transactional and relational approaches, relate to all areas of life, especially in regards to our marriage, raising children, and our relationship with G-d and our Jewish identity.

While at times a transactional approach may be necessary, such as incentivizing children with rewards to encourage appropriate behavior, we hope that as they mature and gain experiences, they will ultimately develop a deeper appreciation and respect for doing the right thing without expecting immediate benefits.

It seems surprising, then, that in this week's Torah portion Behar-Bechukotai, the Torah shares the great rewards for studying Torah and fulfilling Mitzvot. As the verse states: “If you follow My statutes and observe My commandments and perform them. I will give your rains in their time, the Land will yield its produce, and the tree of the field will give forth its fruit…” (Leviticus 26:3–4). These rewards are overwhelmingly and conspicuously material; there is almost no mention of spiritual reward. 

The commentaries raise an obvious question concerning these statements. Seemingly, good behavior is not a bargain which G‑d strikes with us. G-d gave us His Torah and Mitzvot as a means and opportunity for us to step beyond the realm of ordinary mortal experience and connect ourselves to G‑d and partner with Him to positively transform this world. The very word Mitzvah alludes to this concept, for it shares the root of the term Tzavsa, meaning “connection” or “bond.” When we perform a Mitzvah , we unite ourselves with Him and create a home for G-d on this earth. 

Our Sages point to this concept in their teaching in Pirkei Avos (Ethics of our Fathers): “The reward for a Mitzvah is the Mitzvah.” What we receive for doing G‑d's will is a bond with Him. The material benefits one receives as a reward pales in comparison to the ultimate objective.

So why, then, does the Torah emphasize specifically physical rewards for doing the right thing? Wouldn't it be more appropriate to emphasize the long-term impact a person is making on the world around them and the spiritual benefits one receives as a result? 

In truth, there is a deeper message the Torah is conveying. The promise of material rewards not only serve as an incentive for good behavior, but more importantly, the Torah is primarily conveying the natural outcome of our actions.

We do not perform Mitzvot or study Torah to do a favor to G-d, to alleviate our guilty conscience or even for future reward. The Torah is teaching us that when we live a life that truly reflects our inner makeup and purpose, our quality of life is naturally enhanced as a result. Our marriage prospers, our relationship with our children blossoms and our work-life balance is in proper sync allowing us to truly enjoy the benefits of our work. Our connection with our Judaism, when applied properly, will refine our character and enable us to live a joyful meaningful life.

A friend of mine once shared that while he was in college he had struggled with Shabbat observance due to the many responsibilities and business ventures he was overseeing at the time. His perspective changed after confiding with his spiritual mentor that he had no time to observe Shabbat. His mentor replied, “you have no time not to celebrate Shabbat”. In essence, celebrating Shabbat gives us the opportunity to live a balanced life and become a better spouse, parent, and business leader.

When we develop a relational approach to our Jewish identity, as opposed to a transactional one, we no longer view our Judaism as a necessary burden. Instead, we gain a deeper satisfaction and appreciation for life, which naturally leads to happiness and success in our endeavors.

Just as this applies to our own personal lives, the same is true with regards to the world in general. One of the fundamental beliefs in Judaism is that the ultimate purpose of creation is to transform this world for the good and usher in an era of peace and prosperity with the coming of Moshiach (Redemption) to the world. 

The era of Moshiach not only serves as a spiritual reward for all our collective efforts throughout history, but rather, more importantly, it is the sum total and natural result of our work. Moshiach will enable us to truly appreciate all the wonderful things the world has to offer while eliminating all the pain, destruction, and negativity. Moshiach will remove all ego, jealousy and competition so that everyone will learn to love one another. There will be no more wars, sickness or poverty and all nations on earth will be preoccupied with solely advancing the betterment of society to serve G-d as one.

As Maimonides states: “At that time there will be no famines and no wars, no envy and no competition. For the good will be very pervasive. All the delicacies will be as readily available as is dust… 'For the Earth shall be filled with knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea' (Isaiah 11:9)”.