Tea runs, gifts for departing colleagues, or sponsoring a co-worker’s latest marathon attempt – these are just some of the everyday expenses of working in an office.
But together they all add up: new research shows that the typical British employee can expect to spend more than £14,000 during their working life on such daily costs.
A survey by Nationwide Current Account of 2,000 office workers across the UK found that the combined cost of Christmas parties and dinners, cards and presents, coffees and teas, sponsorship requests and secret Santa, totalled more than £350 a year (or £14,500 across a 40-year career). Furthermore, when parties, nights out with colleagues and office clothing were included, this pushed the yearly estimate to more than £1,000.
The study found that men generally tended to be unhappier than women about spending money at work, but women were more likely to feel pressured into paying out for work-related items. For example, 42% of men were unhappy about spending money at work Christmas parties, compared with 34% of women.
Have you ever resented the cost of a work night out or felt obliged to contribute towards a gift for a colleague? What was your most elaborate expense? Share your stories with us.
