We have all experienced work-related stress. You may experience pressure to meet a deadline or to perform a challenging task. This kind of stress is not that bad; it can help you stay focused and adaptable to change and challenges in the workplace. However, when stress becomes chronic and exceeds your ability to cope with, it starts causing damage to your mind and body. Even your dream job can become a nightmare.

According to a recent Korn Ferry survey, of the 1,951 professionals who responded, 39 percent find their stress levels somewhat higher than they were five years ago, while only 10 percent find the stress much lower. More than three-quarters of the respondents (76 percent) believe that stress at work is negatively affecting their personal relationships, 16 percent considered leaving their jobs due to stress, and 61 percent occasionally lost sleep due to work stressors.

The survey also covered employees' stress triggers. The number 1 stressor is a bad boss, as reported by 35 percent of respondents. Other stressors are co-workers (14 percent), low salary (19 percent), and too much work (12 percent).

Interestingly, not enough work is more stressful than too much work for most employees (79 percent). Change also has a major effect. Sixty-one percent of respondents said that change in the organizational leadership has some effect on their stress levels, while 19 percent think it has a great effect.

Radically eliminating stress at work is not feasible, but talent development professionals should consider developing stress management programs to help employees achieve wellness at work. Employers and employees each have their own set of workplace objectives, but a happy, well-adjusted employee is a common goal for both—and professional development is its key.