1 in 10 workers addicted to coffee

Caffeine could be the office ‘crack’, according to new research, which claims that 10 per cent of British workers think they’re addicted to coffee.

The research found that almost a fifth (19 per cent) said their work would suffer if their morning coffee was taken away, and the same number believe they are unable to function before the first caffeinated drink of the day. Meanwhile, 15 per cent of respondents think they need caffeine to get through the working day.

The survey of 2,000 workers by Printerland.co.uk found that the average person drinks six caffeinated drinks a day – three cups of coffee and three cups of teas.

However, workers in the travel, agriculture and utilities industries consume up as many as eight hot drinks a day. Educators and those in local government roles were found to drink the least amount, averaging just four a day.

A 2013 study by the Behavioural Pharmacology Research Unit at The John Hopkins University School of Medicine in Baltimore showed that caffeine produces similar effects to other addictive drugs and frequent users can experience withdrawal-like symptoms when trying to cut down.

The survey by Printerland.co.uk found that more than a third (34 per cent) of workplaces are no longer providing tea or coffee making facilities to employees, potentially putting the productivity of caffeine dependent staff at risk.

Catherine Bannan, HR Manager at Printerland.co.uk, said: “We’ve all experienced that mid-afternoon slump when you begin to lose focus and need a pick-me-up but we were shocked to learn how many Brits feel dependent on their cups of tea and coffee.

“The tea break is a British institution and knowing that as many as 10 per cent of employees could experience negative side-effects without it makes it even more important that workers are free to fill up their cup from time to time.”

In modest amounts, caffeinate is believed to have a positive effect on the body. A 2015 study carried out by researchers from Harvard Medical School suggests that drinking a moderate amount can reduce risk of heart failure.

Yet other research indicates the substance has been shown to increase anxiety and impair sleep.