The average office worker spends around £1,000 a year on expenses such as coffee, birthday presents and nights out, according to Nationwide.

On this basis, the money spent on expenses across a working lifetime would equal £40,128.

Workers spend the most during the Christmas period, with the average person spending £138.36 on celebrations and presents. An annual average of £102.24 is also spent on night outs with colleagues.

Other findings:

• 72% are happy to put money towards an office birthday card or present
• However, 41% are unhappy about spending their money on coffee and tea
• 70% don’t like to spend on stationery
• 40% dislike buying Christmas presents
• 36% don’t like to like to contribute to fundraising while 32% feel pressured into contributing.

Alan Oliver, head of external affairs at Nationwide, said:

“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 would recommend putting in only what you can afford. Developing a regular savings habit can also help in meeting many of life’s financial challenges.”