Workers are increasingly sorting out their social and home lives from the office because of lack of time and hectic workloads.

A survey of 1,600 adults has revealed a new trend of "homing from work" rather than working from home.

The UK's long hours culture, added to long commuter journeys and increasing levels of work, means that people are keeping in touch with friends from the office and shopping during the day.

Recruitment firm Office Angels said its research showed that most people are arranging appointments for haircuts or car servicing from their desk because they have a lack of time at home.

Paul Jacobs, managing director of Office Angels, said: "People tend to enjoy work more when they're allowed to bring a touch of their personal life into their office space, but it's essential employers get the balance right when it comes to setting ground rules about the encroachment of home into the workplace.

"Too many home comforts can create a 'schizophrenic' office, provoking tension among colleagues who prefer a more defined working environment."