Gas price stress lowers work productivity

TALLAHASSEE, Fla., May 6 (UPI) -- The more pain at the pump, the more employees stress on the job -- resulting in lower productivity, U.S. researchers say.

Wayne Hochwarter of the Florida State University's College of Business surveyed more than 800 full-time employees this spring when gas prices hovered at about $3.50 per gallon and found employees are simply unable to detach themselves from the stress caused by escalating gas prices.

The people surveyed work in a wide range of occupations, primarily in the southeastern United States, and drive personal vehicles to work with an average commute of 15 miles each way.

"People concerned with the effects of gas prices were significantly less attentive on the job, less excited about going to work, less passionate and conscientious and more tense," Hochwarter says in a statement. "These people also reported more 'blues' on the job."

The study, submitted for publication later this summer, also found:

-- 52 percent have reconsidered taking vacations.

-- 45 percent have had to cut back on debt-reduction payments, such as credit card payments.

-- Nearly 30 percent considered the consequences of going without basics, including food, clothing and medicine.

-- 45 percent report the escalating gas prices have "caused them to fall behind financially."