Around one in four full-time UK office workers never take a break when at work, with seven per cent even forgoing a holiday due to high workloads, according to new research.

The report, by Legal and General, reveals the impact that the long working hours culture is having on the UK’s workforce. Further findings showed that 23 per cent are not happy with their work/life balance, while senior management are the least likely to take breaks, with 29 per cent working non-stop throughout the day, compared to 16 per cent in non-managerial roles.

The effect on workers’ health was also highlighted. The research found that 22 per cent admitted they felt stressed by their daily routines and 17 per cent were worried they are prevented from doing enough exercise, with 49 per cent of those questioned citing lack of exercise as their main health concern.

Company medical officer for Legal & General’s group protection business Dr John Delfosse said many workers with heavy work responsibilities can become too absorbed in their daily routine, meaning they do not take timeout during the day.

“This can lead to increased pressure and stress, which if prolonged, may take its toll on a workers physical and mental wellbeing,” he said.

“Making the effort to take a short break, at least every three hours, whether that is going for a short walk, sitting down to eat a balanced meal or relaxing over a magazine, can have huge benefits to a workers health and wellbeing. As well as reducing stress, it may also help people to improve their work/life balance.”

Diane Buckley, managing director of Legal & General’s group protection business, added: “It is extremely important that employers ensure their employees do take timeout away from their work during the day to reduce the likely impact of staff absenteeism and, in particular, long-term sickness.”