Bringing Joy to the Workplace

Christmas time is a special time of the year that has been made far too commercial and far too complex. For many, the stresses of work, life and the world around us try to steal the joy of the Christmas season.

The feeling of Christmas is truly different. There is a feeling of hope, joy and anticipation in the air as we celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ and His coming to Earth to carry out God’s plan of salvation for humanity. Those feelings are ones that we would like to keep in our homes and businesses throughout the year, but is this even possible?

The original spirit of Christmas that began with Christ’s birth is accepting a free gift, and then passing on to others our hope, joy, and peace that we get from that gift. Beyond our faith in the Christ Child, there are many, many gifts we can share throughout the year that will impact those around us in a very positive way.

These gifts can be absolutely cost free, or they may have a minimal cost of time, talent, or treasure. If given, they will have a huge impact on your life and on those around you.

Just as we look to purchase that “perfect” gift for someone special at Christmas, let’s look around our families, workplaces and neighborhoods and prepare to give of ourselves and make a positive impact every day. Each of us has unique gifts to draw from, and the best gifts we give are often the ones shared with unsuspecting recipients at an unexpected time. We’ll even help you get started with some ideas on carrying this out as you take a look at “The Joy of Freely Giving” elsewhere in this newsletter. Merry Christmas!

Christmastide is the season of Christmas that begins on December 24th and ends 12 days later on January 6th. It is a time to remember and celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Many celebrate the season by caroling, decorating, giving gifts, spending time with family and friends, recreating the nativity, and attending church services that tell the story of the birth of Jesus. It is a time of being together celebrating traditions that have been passed down from generation to generation.

This year may prove to be very different. With the COVID-19 virus, many will stay home and not venture out which may create a feeling of hopelessness, isolation, and loneliness. While some have adapted ways to communicate with technology; others have not. Connections can still be made by sending a card or letter. Helping someone can still be done by preparing a meal and delivering it or doing some yard work or running an errand. Be an extension of Jesus and extend a helping hand for someone in need. Make the Christmas season come alive for someone.

Just prior to Thanksgiving, the employees of AGRI-SEARCH are each given a brand new $100.00 bill that is to be used to “Keep Christ in Christmas.” Each person is to choose something or someone to invest in anonymously. In early January, we come together to share the stories of how we have invested the funds we were given. I can tell you that we have shed many tears hearing the stories of how our dollars have helped someone. It is not done to make us feel good, but it is done to help build up someone during a trying time of year.

As you celebrate this year, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and become a beacon of hope to someone. Be the hands and feet of Jesus and brighten someone’s day. Make the Christmas season last 365 days! Merry Christmas to you and your family and have a joyous new year!

For people like me who see “shop” as a four-letter word, we sometimes need an attitude adjustment when it comes to gift giving. Whether in the family or the workplace, gift giving can be approached in a multitude of creative ways and developed all year long without ever becoming a burden.

If you dread shopping or are just looking for a new twist to “giving”, let’s examine some positive four-letter words that can be valuable gifts without investing hours shopping or spending a small fortune.

Do you have the grit to not give up and stay true to the course, no matter how difficult it may be? Are you competitive and possess a strong sales mentality where every “no” is just one step closer to a “yes”?

If so, and you have a passion for connecting with and helping people, plus a strong agricultural industry background in agronomy, grain, or other areas, please contact Dave Allen. We would enjoy having a discussion with you about how a recruiting career may be a great fit for you.

Founded in 1995, AGRI-SEARCH is a professional recruiting firm providing clients with customized recruiting solutions in various niches within the agricultural industry. Our success results from our industry focus, our specialized approach to recruiting, and our staff's lifelong roots in, dedication to, and vast understanding and knowledge of the agricultural industry.

At AGRI-SEARCH, our mission states that we “are committed to serving the agricultural industry with integrity, passion and excellence by assisting our candidates to reach their career goals and helping our client companies build successful teams.”