Switzerland is a good place to run a startup, according to 70 % of Swiss survey participants. At state institutions such as business development, state Commission for Technology and Innovation or the foundation platform of the canton of Zurich "found.ch" is not lacking in Switzerland. It is therefore no wonder that Switzerland ranks first in Europe in terms of government support for startups.

Employer of choice SME
Founding companies is one thing, but do Swiss people also want to work at startups? 42 % of the survey participants say "yes" to this. This puts Switzerland below the global average of 50 %. Only among 18- to 34-year-old Swiss men is the percentage above 50 %. "One of the most important factors when choosing an employer is job security. This year's Randstad Employer Brand Research shows this. It may be that employees are therefore hesitant to apply to a start-up," says Nathalie Zihlmann, HR Director Randstad Switzerland. The situation is different when survey participants are asked whether they want to work for an SME. Here, Switzerland is the global leader with 79 % approval.

Randstad Mobility Index
The Randstad Mobility Index indicates how many employees expect to accept a new, comparable job within the next six months. The index provides comprehensive insights into sentiment and trends on the labor market. In Switzerland, the index rose from 101 to 103 points (+2) in the first quarter of 2017.

Boss Info AG, which is represented at 5 locations in German-speaking Switzerland, and ELCA Informatik AG, which is active throughout Switzerland, recently announced that they will be working together on a strategic level with immediate effect. Boss Info AG is no stranger to the ERP market; within 20 years it has been able to acquire the status of integrator in Switzerland with, according to its own information, the largest number of installations of the overall business management solution Microsoft Dynamics. In addition to the entire Microsoft product range, systems engineering, web applications such as webshops and portals, and training are further mainstays of Boss Info AG. For its part, ELCA Informatik AG also offers IT solutions and services on the Swiss market and specializes in Microsoft Dynamics CRM. ELCA Informatik AG and Boss Info AG are thus acting as a strategic partner in order to be able to offer solutions based on the entire Microsoft Dynamics 365 platform (ERP and CRM) from a single source, according to the two companies.

ERP and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) solutions are becoming ever more closely linked, and the central management of customer relationships, including marketing and sales activities, is becoming increasingly important. Like Boss Info AG, ELCA Informatik AG also attaches great importance to quality: "In order to be able to provide our customers with comprehensive support, we are strengthening our competencies and will be consulting on complex ERP projects together with the Swiss IT and CRM specialist ELCA Informatik AG with immediate effect. The mutual conviction that a strategic partnership of both companies makes more than sense developed quickly", Simon Boss, founder and CEO of Boss Info AG, is pleased to announce. Bertil Maire, Head of Business Line 'Customer Interaction Management' at ELCA Informatik AG adds, "Both companies share the same values and have outstanding expertise. We are very pleased to be able to offer joint Dynamics 365 projects to our customers."

The strategic partnership of the two companies indicates a concentration process in the market of small and medium-sized Swiss software providers. Recently, two Swiss IT service providers, WIKA Systems and Ambit, also joined forces. joined forces to form a joint venture. There, too, the focus was essentially on the closer integration of ERP and CRM solutions.

Sources and further information: www.bossinfo.ch, www.elca.ch

More than 30 percent of Swiss employees would like a real change in their everyday working life. But why do job seekers want to change their employer? According to a recent survey by the online job portal JobCloud (jobs.ch / jobup.ch) in cooperation with the LINK Institute, the prospect of a higher salary is the main reason for just over 10 percent. This shows that a higher salary is particularly decisive for younger job seekers between 16 and 24 (20 percent), whereas job seekers between 45 and 60 attach little importance to this (8 percent). Of the French-speaking Swiss looking for a job, around 15 percent do so because they do not have a job, compared with 9 percent of the German-speaking Swiss. The German-speaking Swiss seem to be more open to a career change than the French-speaking Swiss: 10 percent of respondents would like to switch to a different industry or pursue a different activity (French-speaking Switzerland: 6 percent). Differences also emerge between women and men, with women more likely to be looking for a better-paid job than men (13 vs. 11 percent) and men comparatively more likely to be looking for a job because they do not get along with their work colleague or supervisor (11 percent vs. 5 percent). Overall, these results indirectly confirm the findings of a study recently published by Xing (see our report).

Personal contacts very important for young job seekers

The fact that job searches now mainly take place online is no surprise: around 66 percent of respondents prefer to search on online job portals such as jobs.ch, while 49 percent also look for new job offers on companies' career websites. Nevertheless, print media also continue to hold their own: 39 percent of respondents also look for jobs in newspapers and magazines. Particularly among the generation between 45 and 60, the search via print media continues to be well established (54 percent). Personal contacts are also used for job seekers (45 percent). Especially among younger job seekers between 16 and 2 (52 percent). This age category also consciously searches more often directly via search engines such as Google or Yahoo (46 percent vs. 29 percent on average across all age categories). In French-speaking Switzerland, social networks such as Xing and LinkedIn are more popular for job searches than in German-speaking Switzerland (29 vs. 21 percent) - the French also use personal contacts and the RAV job exchange more frequently than German-speaking Swiss (47 vs. 44 percent and 14 vs. 6 percent).

Personal contacts lead to success

The question is which of these channels will lead to success. As the JobCloud survey shows, personal contacts are worthwhile: Around 29 percent of respondents obtained a new job through friends and acquaintances in 2017. 19 and 18 percent of respondents, respectively, decided on a job they had found on a company's job websites or on an online job platform. In 2017, 8 percent of jobs were found as a result of spontaneous applications. However, a comparison over the past three years shows that these are apparently becoming more common: in 2014, blind applications accounted for only 5 percent.

On behalf of XING Switzerland the market and opinion research company Marketagent.com surveyed around a thousand working people in German-speaking Switzerland on the subject of dream jobs. We have summarized the most important results for you.

71 percent would trade their current job for their dream job

Swap your current job for your dream job? More than two-thirds of the German-speaking Swiss (71%) would jump at the chance if age and education were irrelevant. When asked why they would like to swap their current job for their dream job, almost half of respondents (49%) cited more fun at work as the reason. A meaningful job was a contributing reason for about one-third (32%) of respondents. Other important factors were the intellectual challenge (30%) and the realization of a childhood dream (29%). Only then comes the salary: around a quarter (26%) would want to swap jobs for the money. Public esteem and prestige, on the other hand, are of little interest. Only just one in ten (11%) say that fame and honor would persuade them to change jobs.

Women would like to be veterinarians, men professional athletes

When it comes to dream jobs, there are - not surprisingly - differences between the sexes. Women would most like to switch to being an animal keeper (9%), doctor (7%) or psychologist (5%). Men, on the other hand, would prefer to earn their bread and butter as a professional athlete (8%), followed by pilot (6%) and lawyer (5%). Animal caretakers are just eleventh among men (2%), on a par with mountain guides. For this, sweating at work usually goes down badly with women: Professional sportswoman is far behind in 16th place (1%), well behind less glamorous professions such as teacher (2%) or policewoman (2%).

18- to 24-year-olds dream of a career as an archaeologist

But different dream professions are also named depending on age. The most popular professions are fairly constant across the various age groups, with two notable exceptions: In the youngest age group of 18 to 24-year-olds, of all people, archaeologist comes in second (5%). On the other hand, in the 60 to 65 age group, writer appears at the top of the ranking (6%).

One in three would choose a different profession in retrospect

Almost one in three German-speaking Swiss (31%) are unhappy with their actual career choice and, looking back, would choose a different career direction. In contrast, slightly more than half of the respondents (55%) are satisfied with their choice. Satisfaction with their chosen career is highest at the beginning and end of their career. Nearly two-thirds (63%) of young respondents between the ages of 18 and 24 and 70 percent of those between the ages of 60 and 65 are convinced of their own career choice. At the age of 40 to 49, just under half (49%) would choose the same career direction again.

Only one in four would recommend their own profession to young people

When it comes to the professional future of their own offspring, the German-speaking Swiss are much more critical of their own career choice. Only just under a quarter (24%) would recommend that their child choose the same career direction. 42 percent would advise their child to choose a career direction other than their own. Respondents in management positions would choose the same career direction for themselves more often than other hierarchical levels (69%). Nevertheless, the proportion of respondents in this group who would advise their offspring to choose the same career direction as their own is the lowest at 22 percent.

A company merger has recently taken place in the toolmaking and stamping technology sector: Ekko Technik AG and Hans Meister AG merged in June 2017 to form Ekko-Meister AG, based in Lengnau BE. Ekko Technik AG, founded in 1954, specializes in the production of thrust bearings, their components, and stamped and bent parts; Hans Meister AG, founded in 1945, manufactures small, complex stamped parts and also produces stamping tools. The new company Ekko-Meister AG has found its headquarters in the premises of the former Ekko Technik AG in Lengnau, while the premises of the former Hans Meister AG in Grenchen will in future serve as the logistics center of the newly created company. The employees of both companies - 30 in total - have been taken on and have already been working together for several weeks. The new company is managed by Jean-Pierre Voegeli; in addition to Lukas Pfister (Head of Finance, Administration and Human Resources) and Claudio Palazzi (Head of Sales and Marketing), Martin Meister (Head of Technology) has also been appointed as a member of the Executive Board. The Board of Directors has been taken over by Walter Sahli (Chairman), Martin Meister and Philipp Andermatt.

Sahli is very pleased about the company merger and the opportunities it creates: "The merger of the two companies is a win-win situation for everyone involved. By combining the competencies and, above all, the respective technological potentials, a high-performance company has been created that can count itself among the leading suppliers in the field of individually and chiplessly manufactured thrust bearings as well as in toolmaking and in the production of the smallest, mostly rotationally symmetrical stamped parts." What is also very important and should not be underestimated is the fact that the chemistry between the two companies is right: "Both companies have had a close business partnership for many years. They have always worked together excellently and know each other very well."

The company's global customers, who are active in the automotive, high-end consumer goods, medical technology and electrical engineering sectors, among others, will benefit from the merger. And they can look forward to plenty of synergies: "We have created a completely new value chain. Now everything from co-engineering and toolmaking to the production of thrust bearings and stamped and bent parts is in one hand," continues Sahli; "our technological efficiency coupled with a significantly increased customer focus will pay off for both sides."

Further information until further notice at Ekko Technology Ltd and Master AG 

In the first half of 2017, the number of corporate transactions decreased only marginally year-on-year from 164 to 160. Overall, the value of all transactions declined by 7% to USD 69.3 billion (2016: USD 74.2 billion), with the acquisition of Syngenta by China National Chemical Corporation primarily responsible for last year's high transaction volume. No strong increase in transactions is expected for the second half of the year due to the ongoing financial policy uncertainties.

The M&A year 2017 has been characterized by a major transaction: In January, the US pharmaceutical and consumer goods manufacturer Johnson & Johnson announced its intention to acquire the Swiss biotechnology company Actelion for USD 30 billion. This, after initial talks in December 2016 had still failed. This is the second major transaction in the Swiss M&A market within a year, following the acquisition of Syngenta by China National Chemical Corporation in 2016. The deal ranks among the five largest Swiss transactions of all time.

Private equity activities and company acquisitions abroad

In principle, the outlook for the global economy remains positive. The currently still favorable interest rate environment also makes money available for M&A activities. Private equity investors in particular, which typically have a high proportion of debt, are currently benefiting from this. Thus, the Swiss M&A market also saw relevant private equity activity in the first half of 2017: Of the ten largest transactions, no less than three featured a private equity buyer.

Due to the persistently strong Swiss franc, company acquisitions abroad remain attractive. These have always been an important strategic component for Swiss companies, which can use them to diversify their sales markets and product portfolio.

Chinese investment appetite continues

Chinese M&A activities have slowed down a bit, in particular due to the new legal capital export legislation in China, but are still strong in international comparison. Accordingly, the Chinese appetite for investment opportunities continues in Switzerland. The HNA Group is particularly active in the local market: The group has already acquired three Swiss companies in the past, namely Gategroup, SR Technics and Swissport. In the first half of 2017, the HNA Group secured two further essential transactions: The Chinese took a 17% stake in travel retailer Dufry for USD 1.4 billion, and acquired a majority stake in Glencore's petroleum and logistics division for USD 775 million, although the latter transaction only just failed to make it into the top 10.

Fiscal policy uncertainties as a constraining factor

The development of financial policy currently remains one of the most important factors influencing transaction business: Despite an interim calming of the situation, geopolitical instability and developments in the EU and the USA are putting the brakes on companies' desire to make acquisitions. Brexit in particular, with its still unclear economic and legal impact on the M&A market, remains a factor of uncertainty. "Despite positive economic developments and high activity levels, strong growth in the national and international M&A market is not to be expected in the short term due to financial policy uncertainty and a possible turnaround in interest rates," says Patrik Kerler, Head of M&A at KPMG Switzerland, assessing the situation.

Source: KPMG Switzerland

Swisscom is supplementing its offering for small and medium-sized enterprises with collaboration functions bundled under the technical term Unified Communications & Collaboration (UCC): Instant messaging, presence information, screen sharing, online meetings and video telephony. What is already widely used in the private sphere or in large companies is also becoming increasingly popular among SMEs, the telecommunications provider knows.

From telephony to virtual collaboration

The UCC functions for SMEs are based on the Smart Business Connect virtual IP telephony solution. This is an already established complete offering consisting of Internet, IP telephony, network solution and additional services. Swisscom operates the necessary infrastructure in its own data centers in Switzerland. "With virtualized products, we are opening up new opportunities for SMEs that were previously reserved primarily for large companies. This enables companies to prepare for the digital future simply and flexibly and to make sustainable cost savings," says Reto Baschera, Head of Business Products at Swisscom.

Collaborate more productively

In addition to telephone and e-mail, SMEs now have additional communication channels at their disposal. For example, questions can be quickly clarified with the colleague on the other floor via instant message, virtual meetings save travel time and costs, and those who can share documents directly on the screen prevent misunderstandings. Customers or suppliers can also take part in virtual meetings simply by clicking a link. Whether via PC or smartphone - employees choose the appropriate communication channel themselves. This makes collaboration easier and more productive.

One provider, one contract, one invoice

SMEs receive the complete communications solution from a single source. Accordingly, telephony and the functions for unified communications & collaboration can be used within one and the same app. The administrative effort is also kept to a minimum, because the customer has a contact person for all concerns, receives an invoice at the end of the month and signs a contract for all services and functions.

A demonstration of the collaboration (UCC) features for SMEs can be found at. www.swisscom.ch/ucc-demo.

The economic success of companies depends to a large extent on the extent to which they can meet the fast-moving wishes and demands of their customers in the digital world. Not all companies are aware of this: although most of them are actively engaged in digital transformation and also recognize that business process management (BPM) makes it much easier to implement the necessary changes within their organization. At the same time, however, only a few have their customers' satisfaction sufficiently in mind in the process. These are the key findings of the second joint BPM study by the management consultancies BearingPoint and BPM&O based on a survey of 174 companies from various industries in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.

Companies use BPM to successfully master digital transformation

In view of the digital transformation, companies are faced with the challenge of developing digital business models, products and services, making the organization more agile, digitizing processes and redesigning them to be customer-oriented. More than three quarters of the companies surveyed (77 percent) have recognized that process management is an essential basis for successfully implementing digital strategies and initiatives. It is therefore not surprising that 81 percent of respondents currently consider BPM to be an important or very important topic, as the authors of the study state. This assessment is confirmed in almost all industries. In the financial sector, mechanical engineering and public administration in particular, the topic is gaining in importance.

"Companies are investing a lot of energy in realizing digital strategies. Nevertheless, it is evident in some companies that the implementation and operationalization of digital initiatives are hindered by a lack of coordination and a lack of consideration of processes. Therefore, companies should use BPM and its building blocks to promote holistic implementation and establish sustainable collaboration between the digital, process and IT communities," recommends Matthias Höhne, Partner at BearingPoint.

Customer orientation is not yet sufficiently in focus

The main drivers of digital transformation are rapidly changing customer expectations and user behavior. Nevertheless, only two-thirds (64 percent) of the companies surveyed named increasing customer satisfaction as a goal of BPM. This means that this goal is only in sixth place for them - and this despite the fact that 86 percent of respondents confirmed a reduction in customer complaints and 85 percent confirmed higher customer satisfaction thanks to BPM. Companies focus much more frequently on cost savings (78 percent), increased transparency (74 percent) and standardization (74 percent).

"Rapidly changing customer expectations in the context of digital transformation require business models, services and processes to be clearly aligned with the customer. Companies recognize this, but often lack a holistic view and understanding of how customer and process orientation complement each other. Comprehensive process management can strengthen customer orientation by linking internal and external processes, as well as increase responsiveness to changes in customer expectations," comments Sven Schnägelberger, Managing Director of BPM&O.

More information about the study

Under the motto "Together at the Start", the two managing directors Beat Sengstag, WIKA System AG and Thierry Walt, Ambit AG and their management teams are ushering in a new era and becoming the 'Digital Business Enabler' for innovative medium-sized businesses that want to drive digitalization in their companies. The two entrepreneurs are inspired by the fastest Swiss woman, Mujinga Kambundji.

The goal of the Ambit Group is to take a leading position in the Microsoft Dynamics 365 market with the new joint venture. With the merger, Ambit Group sees itself in a position to offer customers the optimal solution in the areas of CRM and ERP. "Thanks to our expertise and specialists, we can offer holistic end-to-end process solutions from a single source," said Beat Sengstag and Thierry Walt, "Ambit Group acts as an enabler for digital business transformations and aims to secure competitive advantages and long-term success for its customers."

Unique selling proposition thanks to expertise

Ambit Group employs 75 people at 7 locations in Switzerland, Germany, Austria and Singapore. According to the company, these are passionate Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Dynamics AX and Microsoft CRM) experts and have won the trust of national and international companies from a wide range of industries such as trade, machinery, process, finance, construction and services. Acting locally and implementing internationally is what Ambit Group calls its unique selling proposition, which its teams have been able to acquire over decades thanks to many international projects. In addition, the employees have already supported numerous multinational groups of companies in their holistic global orientation.

The Ambit Group stands for a company that implements the optimal and appropriate solution for mapping business processes for its customers to give them an edge over the competition, according to the company's statement. Combined, the companies successfully implemented over 300 projects. The Ambit Group wants to continue this success with a focus on a holistic business approach, whose consulting approach increasingly starts at the strategic level and supports the digital transformation into the operational business, and create the basis for a sustainable and strategic business relationship within the framework of a coordinated support structure, it continues.

More information: WIKA Systems, Ambit

Renowned Swiss companies such as Google, SAP, Postfinance, IAB Switzerland or KMU Swiss, more than 40 top experts, inspiring keynotes and practice-relevant learning workshops will shape the event, according to the organizers. "The Digital Summit for SMEs is an important milestone on the road to digital transformation. That's why we are actively involved as a partner for this congress with learning workshops!" said Nicolas Bürer from the event's sponsoring organization, digitalswitzerland. In over 30 learning workshops, CEOs and decision-makers from SMEs will learn how to successfully exploit the opportunities offered by digitization. Other highlights will include two special events for SMEs from mountain regions as well as startups and company founders.

Answers to the question: Start digitization - yes, but how?

Today, you hardly need to explain what digitization means. Almost everyone uses online stores, social media, Google Ads or simply the smartphone. Rather, the crucial question is, how do you do it right? How do you build successful web stores and use social media profitably for your company? What does one start with in the first place? "Our goal is to meet entrepreneurs where they are and to answer the question of "how" with concrete solutions and practical tools," says Thomas Bergmann, Digital Head & Project Manager Digital Summit for SMEs.

What awaits the participants?

Participants can expect concrete answers and solutions, tools and checklists to take home. These will be presented and prepared in a practical manner by top experts in digital business such as Prof. Martina Dalla Vecchia and Dr. Marc Peter, FHNW, Roger Baur, IAB Switzerland, Rolf Schumann, SAP, Jörg Eugster, Netbusiness, Benedikt Bitzi, Google or Beat Bühlmann, Evernote and many more. The accompanying SME Digital EXPO enables direct personal exchange with the experts. The Digital Summit for SMEs thus offers the necessary orientation, assistance and know-how in just two days, in a form that has not been possible in Switzerland so far, the organizers are convinced.

What are the topics?

All relevant aspects for successful digitization will be addressed. The focus is on:

• Digital transformation: New strategies, processes and business areas must be defined. Digitalization is one of the key factors for maintaining competitiveness.
• Digital Leadership: The working world of tomorrow needs new leadership structures! Employees and communication are changing fundamentally. Strong hierarchies and rigid leadership styles are considered outdated.
• Digital marketing: How do you find your customers in the future? How is the market changing? The digital transformation affects customers' information behavior and purchase decision processes!

The target group is primarily entrepreneurs of medium-sized companies, innovative managing directors and cadre employees (C-level), small entrepreneurs, start-ups, solopreneurs, company founders and SMEs from mountain regions.

"Digital Summit on Tour„

Even after the congress premiere at the end of August, participants will continue to be supported on their way with information and tools. Ewa Ming's ideas even go one step further: "For the first time, a knowledge congress will go on tour. With the 'Digital Summit on Tour', we will be on site in many Swiss cities and thus close to our customers. In this way, we are providing a sustained transfer of knowledge in the digitization of companies in Switzerland. In addition, thematic workshops and inspiring think tanks will be organized at the MfO Mehrwertfabrik Oerlikon. Speakers, partners, participants and sponsors will be involved 365 days and network".

More information and registration: Early bird tickets are now available at: http://www.digital-summit-kmu.ch/tickets/. Important: All registered participants automatically receive discounts for the subsequent events of the "Digital Summit on Tour.

The goal of the non-profit initiative NüGlarus is to promote innovation in the canton. "Many SMEs are too small to drive real innovation forward on their own," says Roberto Balmer, president of the initiative. It's about observing technologies, developing new business models (pricing models, products processes, customer segments) and then implementing them, he says. NüGlarus now wants to enable local companies to take advantage of economies of scale that they do not have on their own and to exchange experiences. Problems are jointly evaluated and quickly and inexpensively solved via proven partners such as Glaronia Informatik AG or the Digitallab of the University of Applied Sciences Rapperswil HSR (e.g. in the "virtual reality" area). The co-innovation platform is openly defined and will be constructed around the innovation potential of Glarus companies in the coming months. The basis for this is the St. Gallen Business Model.

A lot of work for the platform

In order to better assess the innovation potentials and the innovation problems that most concern entrepreneurs in the canton, a live survey was also conducted at the Entrepreneur Lunch. This survey revealed the following Top10 potentials for innovation (by number of mentions):

1. Technology monitoring (for 51%)
2. Personalization of products using Big Data (49%)
3. Internet of Things (44%)
4. Online Shop (41%)
5. Social media marketing (41%)
6. New forms of cooperation for the SME innovation process (39%)
7. Cloud and Online Collaboration (39%)
8. Privacy (39%)
9. Website / App (39%)
10. Telecom Connections (37%)

The result now forms a clear mandate for focus in the selection of topics and partners to the co-leader of the NüGlarus co-innovation platform, Thomas Schiesser.

Data highway to pave the way

One of these urgent problems has already been addressed with the new data highway implemented by Technische Betriebe im Glarnerland and HIAG DATA. The fastest and cheapest data highway in the Alps has now been successfully in operation for over a month at the anchor customer, the Glarner Kantonalbank, as its CIO and Vice President of NüGlarus, Ralf Luchsinger described in detail and enthusiastically at the event. Marti Zopfi, CEO of Technische Betriebe Glarus, presented all the new products and prices for the municipality of Glarus at the event, which are to be realized in the area of corporate connections and Internet on this basis in the coming months.

Kick-off on September 6

All other topics and innovation potential will be taken up at a kick-off meeting of the NüGlarus innovation group on September 6, led by Thomas Schiesser. Step by step and with external partners, NüGlarus then wants to ensure that any company that gets involved there will quickly and inexpensively come up with a solution that has the potential to change the market. The first Glarus startup incubator, Linklabs, is also scheduled to launch in the fall to support NüGlarus and, above all, the Glarus startup world.

Speaking on behalf of the local SMEs, Thomas Marti, CEO of Marti Engineering, welcomed the data highway and called on those present to take advantage of the momentum of NüGlarus now, to join in and be bold. On September 6, he said, large and medium-sized established Glarus companies were particularly in demand. In an increasingly dynamic economy, it is often they who, with their actions today, will decide the success or failure of a region in 10 years' time and who can most easily raise the means and opportunities today to dare more together.

Public administration too little customer-oriented

The present entrepreneurs were also asked where they are hindered in their innovation by the public administration. Almost 50% of the local entrepreneurs would like to see a stronger customer orientation of the public administration, as the short survey showed. A lack of e-government in various areas, unclear regulations and time-consuming and costly approval procedures are also a thorn in the side of entrepreneurs. A NüGlarus working group has therefore set itself the task of developing new ideas for public administration.

In addition to the inclusion of local companies in the Co-Innovation Channel on September 6, NüGlarus will also organize a national event in Ziegelbrücke on October 18, where the regional and national ambitions of the initiative will be outlined for the first time. In particular, it will be shown how the idea can also be implemented in other regions of eastern Switzerland. Registrations are also possible for this soon.

Source and further information

Indian yoga guru and relaxation expert Deepak Yadav from La Clairière Bio & Spa Hotel in Alsace gives five helpful SOS tips for stressed managers.

Give yourself breaks!

If you take small breaks during work and recharge your batteries a bit, you'll usually get more done than if you work through it all the time. Basically, two active mini-breaks are particularly recommended. Use them for a small meditation session: open the window, stand upright and close your eyes. Listen to the sounds wafting in from outside. Take a deep breath in with your arms above your head and lower them as you exhale. Repeat this exercise three times: you will see, you already feel much more rested.

Green tea

Anyone who feels stressed should keep their hands off coffee. Contrary to the assumption that coffee strengthens the nerves, it mainly causes heart palpitations in tense people. If you're looking for inner peace, it's best to turn to green tea. Instead of caffeine, it contains theanine - a substance with calming properties.

Hand massage

You don't need a professional to give you a hand massage with a calming effect: simply provide yourself with some relaxation. To do this, stroke the thumb of your other hand over the palm with gentle pressure, starting with the muscle of the ball of the thumb. Take about three to four minutes per hand.  

Cold water

Hard to believe, but really true: Cold water helps against stress. Because on the inside of the wrist as well as behind the ears are important arteries that have an impact on the overall well-being. If you drip some cold water on these areas, you will immediately experience a calming effect.

Do sports

Those who find enough time should opt for a little exercise. It's the panacea for numerous aches and pains - especially stress and inner tension. Sometimes even a walk through the neighborhood helps. Even better - if it's possible - are small, ten-minute yoga sessions outdoors, because they bring the pulse back down and ensure a clear head. Here are a few simple exercises by yoga expert Deepak Yadav for in-between sessions that even stressed-out managers can do:

• Dog Looking Down - Adho Mukha Svanasana. Granted: This exercise is not for the open office, but maybe you can find a quiet corner for the dog looking down. The starting position for this exercise is the quadruped stance. The hands are just below the shoulders. Now put your toes up and push your buttocks up as far as they will go with your arms and legs at the same time. Stretch the legs through, if possible the heels touch the floor or are at least as far as possible on the floor. The head is lowered during this exercise, the gaze is directed to the knees. If the stretch in the legs is felt uncomfortable, you can take small steps on the spot with your feet to loosen up.
• Half rotating seat - Matsyendrasana. Sit on the floor with legs straight and back straight. The left leg is positioned, the right is stretched. Now the foot of the left leg is placed against the outside of the right knee. The legs are now crossed. Turn your upper body so that you can see over your left shoulder and bend your right arm. With your elbow, gently apply pressure against the outside of the bent leg. Hold for one minute and then switch legs.
• Tree - Vrksasana.  Stand upright with your feet parallel. Keep your back straight and knees loose. Now shift the weight to the left foot, the right one is placed against the inside of the upper thigh. Place your palms in front of your chest in a prayer position. Afterwards, the hands, which are placed together, move over the head. If you find it difficult to keep your balance at first, it is best to fix your eyes on a point around you, a treetop or a flower.

If these little tips don't help in the long run, you may need some time off from your daily routine....

Source and further information