POLL: Do you curb your workplace spending?

The poll from Nationwide Current Accounts reveals office workers are likely to spend £1,003.20 a year due to office life – and that's not including breakfast, lunch or travel.

Across a working lifetime of four decades, this would equate to £40,128 – equivalent to around two years' salary after tax for the average British worker

While most people go with the flow at work and happily part with their pennies and pounds, two in five are unhappy about shelling out for coffees and teas.

Unsurprisingly, the majority of people are unhappy to pay for any stationery. A not very festive four in 10 dislike buying secret Santa presents and when it comes to the obligatory office charity or fundraising effort, more than a third don't like to contribute. But with nearly a third stating they felt pressured into contributing, common courtesy may override actual feelings.

On the bright side, nearly three quarters of the nation's office workers say they are happy to put money in for a colleague's leaving card and present, or for an office birthday. However, more than a quarter say they feel pressured when it comes towards birthday and leaving gifts.

The poll also shows that while men are unhappier at spending money at work, it's women who are more likely to feel pressured into shelling out for work-related items.

Alan Oliver, Nationwide's head of external affairs, said: "Working in an office can be an expensive business, especially in big teams. While most people value the camaraderie of working in a team, birthdays, retirements and charity fundraisers can take their toll on our wallets and purses.

"We recommend putting in only what you can afford. Developing a savings habit can also help meet financial challenges."