Unlike email marketing tools like MailChimp, iContact or ConstantContact, one of the key challenges of adopting a collaborative app like DeskAway is that its value is directly proportional to the number of people using it within your team. The more the merrier. However, realistically, there are chances that even though everyone buys into the concept of using a web-based app, some people might not log into the system to update their milestones or check off their tasks. A vision for a company-wide system to manage and track work remains a dream. See if these 5 things can help you get the ball rolling…forever.

#1 Send out an email or discuss in live with your team as to why you have chosen the application and its advantage over email. Spell out why email is a poor collaboration tool for working in projects where multiple people are involved.

#2 Show examples of other apps. Most people are familiar with a CRM (customer relationship management) app. If a CRM app can track your sales, a project collaboration app can track your work (internal as well as client-driven).

#3 Manage expectations. What can people expect from using the app. Clarity? Accountability? Time savings? Control? Doing more with less? etc.

#4 Start small. Have a few evangelists use the app for a few internal projects. Slowly, let them infect every one else.

#5 Don’t force. It doesn’t work with anyone.

Work-life is usually filled with ups and downs and some days are inevitably more stressful than the others. Maybe it’s the project deadline or some issue you are tackling. We believe health comes first no matter how busy or bumbed-out you feel. It is important to de-stress and calm down. Here are a few tips that I find useful to rejuvenate myself.

Watercooler Break
This proverbial small break from the routine of office, can be very effective to relax you. The water would also help cool the body.

Loiter
A small walk around office, maybe to the balcony or window, can be quite refreshing! The movement is good to loosen up the body. Additionally, looking away from the computer screen for a bit relieves eye-strain.

Socialize
Have a chat with a nearby colleague. As you think about other things apart from work like a movie, music, travel, book or family can really help set a relaxed perspective over stuff. This can also go a long way in team bonding.

Energy Boosters
A small snack in your seat maybe a cookie or fruit etc.. gives you a mental break as well as it boosts the body energy. Try to keep it healthy though, junk food could spoil your health and increase uneasiness.

Web-Fun
Visiting a social network or checking out some favorite website or group discussion can really help with your web enthusiasm. In fact there are many researches that suggest social networking in offices boosts productivity.

Play Time
Feels like revisiting childhood but, adding some actual play time to the work routine would not only help various motor and co-ordination skills in your body but also bring cheer to your life! Juggling, Rubik’s cube, yo-yo are some simple games that can be really interesting and viable even in cramped offices.

Some more cool de-stressing tips can be found here:
http://zenhabits.net/2010/01/8-unconventional-ways-to-de-stress-and-release-tension/

How do you guys de-stress?

A few improvements in the workplace can go a long way in relaxing the environment for your team and probably boost productivity in the long term.

It is not necessary to go for big renovation jobs to change the ambiance of your office. Here are some simple tips towards making a better and lively work environment.

• Changing the look of your office. This can easily be achieved by putting some accessories like candles, flower vases, pretty picture frames or toys (the free stuff you get at conventions/conferences).

• Using scented candles and incense sticks can be very refreshing while working! Generally lemon or lavender are the preferred scents.

• Listening to music something light and soothing. If others are not in the mood for it then you can use head phones.
• Have comfortable desk chairs and places around the office to lounge and catch up with your colleagues.

• Keeping the place neat and tidy will give a more organized and coordinated feel to your work. Moreover people will also appreciate this. Seeing a mess on the desk or elsewhere in a office can be a big turn off and it would make you feel overwhelmed and stressed.
• Clear your computer Desktop icons from time to time. You don’t want to see those Word documents floating around whenever your reboot your machine. Additionally, why not try a soothing wallpaper?

• Plants are a great help, since they provide a very organic and healthy look to the office. Bamboos are considered to increase productivity of the work place and are considered lucky. Give it a try and watch what happens..
• Instead of your regular tea/coffee why not have an assortment of green teas - relaxing and good for your health.

• Making the place look like its your own by putting family photographs or other things important to you around the place, giving it a personalized and a homely touch.

This blog was inspired by an article on Steve Pavlina’s Blog - 10 Ways to Relaxify Your Work