Stress is a leading cause of absenteeism in the workforce. This absenteeism costs U.S. companies billions of dollars in wages and lost productivity. The buildup of stress can result in serious health issues such as heart disease, anxiety, asthma, and even diabetes. There are many easy ways to relieve stress on a daily basis and ensure a happier and healthier workforce. Just taking a short walk, or playing a game for a few minutes can take your mind off of an anxious situation and allow you to breathe more deeply. Playing with your pet, or even just laughing at cat videos online can release endorphins and lower cortisol and adrenaline that spike due to stress. Listening to music, yoga, and aromatherapy can all help lower blood pressure. Consider stress relief a crucial part of your HR efforts and reap the reward of less lost hours and wages.