Poor punctuality can sometimes cost you your job.
But it seems for some of us, a morning caffeine fix is more important than arriving at work on time.
A study of 2,000 Britons found that more than one in four men and a fifth of women have arrived late because they haven’t finished their drink.
In fact, the majority (54 per cent) of caffeine lovers say they couldn’t go to work without a coffee and one in ten claim they would be unproductive without one.
Over a quarter claim that it’s an essential part of their morning routine and 16 per cent claim their body doesn’t function properly without it.
A study of 2,000 Britons found that more than one in four men and a fifth of women have arrived late because they haven’t finished their drink
A third said they feel grumpy without one.
The study – by Lyons Coffee – said the most likely age group to be late for work due to enjoying a coffee was 25- to 34-year-olds (31 per cent).
These were closely followed by 30 per cent of 35- to 44-year-olds, 27 per cent of 18- to 23-year-olds and 11 per cent of 45- to 54-year-olds.
Only 6 per cent of those aged 55-plus said they would dare to call in late.
Londoners are most likely to be late to get their caffeine fix while the Welsh are the biggest coffee lovers with one in ten drinking over seven cups a day.
And it seems we differ in our strength preferences too, with Northern Irish coffee drinkers preferring it the strongest while those in Yorkshire have it the weakest.
Over-55s are most likely to favour a strong coffee, with 15 per cent opting for the strongest option, compared to less than 10 per cent of 18- to 24-year-olds.
Nicole Hartnell, brand manager at Lyons Coffee, said: ‘Our love affair with coffee is stronger than ever, as a quarter of us would rather skip breakfast than our morning coffee, which is especially true amongst women.
‘Lyons Coffee Bags are handy for those keen beans wanting fresh coffee on the go but don’t fancy a telling off from boss for being late!’