International Journal of Management, IT & Engineering Vol. 10 Issue 04, April 2020 ISSN: 2249-0558 Impact Factor: 7.119 Journal Homepage: http://www.ijmra.us , Email: editorijmie@gmail.com Double-Blind Peer Reviewed Refereed Open Access International Journal - Included in the International Serial Directories Indexed & Listed at: Ulrich's Periodicals Directory ©, U.S.A., Open J-Gate as well as in Cabell’s Directories of Publishing Opportunities, U.S.A 113 International journal of Management, IT and Engineering http://www.ijmra.us , Email: editorijmie@gmail.com EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE: ITS INFLUENCE IN REDUCING WORK STRESS Ms. Sarah D’souza Abstract In the recent situation there is an increased level of stress that is creeping into all areas of the human life. Coping with these strenuous situations and striving to maintain a work – life balance is often a challenging task. There is however, an imminent requirement for an individual to possess emotional stability in order to battle the various work and life stressors. This emotional stability is determined by the individual’s emotional intelligence. Emotional Intelligence (EI) is the ability to control one’s emotions and to handle interrelationships with regard and empathy. This competency complements professional success and mainstream IQ in general. EI focusses on improving the well – being of an individual. This entails the complete mental, physical, emotional and spiritual state, leading to becoming a very eminent forecaster of psychological happiness. The purpose of this paper is to find the influence that emotional intelligence has on job stress. It will also address the dimension of work – life balance and the need for organizations to incorporate work friendly policies to increase employees’ efficiency and performance by building a suitable work culture and climate. Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, Stress, Wellbeing, Work – life Balance Author correspondence: Sarah Dsouza, Asst. Professor, D.Y. Patil Institute of MCA & Management, Akurdi, Pune, India Email: sarahleahd89@gmail.com