The role of a company’s human resources department fluctuates enormously depending on the situation, new policy, and employee. From disseminating health care benefits and raising morale to hashing out touchy issues between co-workers, the stress level can be unbearable sometimes.

There are several books in the marketplace that offer ways to improve employees’ spirits, inspire others, and make the workplace a more positive environment for all those who work there. After all, most of us spend more time at the office than at home with our families.

Here are a few suggestions of books that should be in every recruiter’s library (whether that’s paperback or digital).

The Five Dysfunctions of a Team by Patrick Lencioni

Ranked up there with his two other best-sellers (The Five Temptations of a CEO and The Four Obsessions of an Extraordinary Executive), author Patrick Lencioni strikes again. The storytelling angle leaves readers with a desire to get to the end of the chapter.

Follow Kathryn Petersen, Decision Tech's CEO, as she attempts to unite a team of employees who threaten to harm the company’s success. Learn the ebb and flow of team dynamics, the common hurdles experienced, and how to face adversity in the face of what seems like certain failure.

Team leaders need apply.

Who Moved My Cheese? by Dr. Spencer Johnson

This well-liked and proven motivational book broaches the topic of change and how to handle it well. It’s based on the premise that most people fear change due to the lack of control one believes they have over the situation. Ultimately, the only constant in life is change, so the only part that matters is our attitude toward it. That is something over which we have control.

Crucial Conversations Tools for Talking When Stakes Are High, Second Edition by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillann, and Al Switzler

A crucial conversation is considered to occur between two or more people where the stakes are high or there is some sort of criticism. Highly emotional dialogue can leave many folks with a sour taste in their mouths if words are not carefully chosen. Before you know it, the story is being retold to other co-workers where exaggerations and inferences spiral out of control.

This book delves into how to have a difficult conversation with a co-worker and keep it constructive. Open the forum to allow every person involved the opportunity to share his or her opinion or thought process without fearing ridicule or punishment.

The second edition boasts value-adding extras, such as videos acting out the different techniques. Learn how to say what’s on your mind without offending others, speak persuasively (not abrasively), and continue to actively listen without losing your cool.

Fish! A Proven Way to Boost Morale and Improve Results by Stephen C. Lundin, Harry Paul, John Christensen and Ken Blanchard

A harmonious workplace is the goal of most managers and HR professionals. Visions of positive energy and passion dance in their heads, until the reality of Monday morning crashes upon those same smiling heads.

This book follows a fictional manager who is put in charge of turning a team of “Debbie Downers” into an effective one. Situated across from Seattle’s fish market, the manager gleans lessons from those who toil in the Pike Place Fish Market. Learn tips on how to retain good employees and avoid burnout. Such corporations that have introduced several policies based off this book include Southwest Airlines, Sprint, and Nordstrom.