The work performance of 85%of employees has been affected by work, health and personal pressures, according new research from Canada life.
Only 15% of employees claim that they are not distracted whilst at work and 41% say problems in their personal lives have prevented them from performing to the best of their abilities.
A quarter (25%) of employees say that financial worries, such as debts or having to fund unexpected expenses, have led them to distraction at work, with 18% feeling less financially secure, 13% admitting to having less in savings and 10% finding it more difficult to meet basic costs than this time last year.
Six per cent have incurred more debts than they had twelve months ago too.
Surprisingly, 68% cited lack of sleep as the leading cause of poor concentration at work.
Not only can this affect performance and productivity, but it may pose serious health risks if left untreated.
Employees are never the less working harder and longer, with almost 30% eating at their desk whilst continuing to work.
Possibly as a result of this, many are finding that they are unable to keep on top of personal tasks outside working hours - 17% say that personal errands can lead to a lapse in concentration at work.
Paul Avis, Sales and Marketing Director at Canada Life Group Insurance comments: "The increased pressure on employees may eventually limit the productivity and efficiency of the business.
"Employers can help to manage work-induced stress by ensuring that they have mechanisms in place with which to deal with deadlines and workloads.
"Similarly, there are ways of helping employees to deal with personal problems, possibly something as simple as offering flexibility around working hours to help them through a difficult time.
"Employee Assistance Programmes often provide employees with support they need to deal with common worries such as help with finances, or managing relationships.
"It is important for employers to try to tackle the root causes of employee stress before they spiral into something more and become a reason for employee absence."
