How to Manage Emotions at Work (without Losing Your Cool)

If you’ve ever felt the wave of frustration from an unexpected deadline change or experienced the stress of managing a difficult conversation with a colleague, you know that emotions at work are unavoidable. They show up in subtle ways and obvious ones, affecting how we perform and how we interact with the people around us.

The numbers tell a striking story. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, more than 80% of U.S. workers report having experienced work-related stress, and 65% describe work as a significant source of stress in their lives. These statistics represent real people navigating real emotional challenges every single day at work.

Emotions at work are inevitable, and in many ways, they’re valuable. The challenge comes when we don’t know how to manage them effectively. Unmanaged emotions can derail productivity, damage relationships, and turn workplace challenges into personal crises.

The goal is to develop the skills to recognize, understand, and respond to your emotions in ways that serve you. For HR professionals, understanding these dynamics becomes essential for building workplaces where people can actually thrive.