Does this picture look familiar? How often do you take a break at work? Do you usually eat your sandwich at your desk whilst going through the latest emails (and spilling food all over your keyboard)? When was the last time you went outside the office for lunch?

One in four people are putting their health at risk by regularly working all day without taking a break, a new report warns.

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) says long hours, working while ill or stressed and lack of exercise pose "serious risks" to health. This isn't good for anyone – your own well-being suffers, but this could also lead to huge costs for employers.

A survey of over 2,600 adults shows that one in four doesn't stop for lunch, mainly because they have too much work to do or there are too few people in their organisation to cover workloads.

Phil Gray, the society's chief executive, said: "Physiotherapists are concerned that overworking and not taking breaks is actually costing employers and their staff.

"Employees pay the price with their health and there is a cost to employers in reduced productivity and performance. Work is good for us and can contribute to physical and mental well-being, but not when overworking means people don't have the time or energy to look after their own health or when staff are at work but are not fit for work."

The CSP has launched a campaign to change working and exercise habits, warning people they are increasing their risk of back pain, obesity, cancer, depression and heart disease.

Over half of those questioned say they still struggle into work when they feel stressed or ill.

Ben Willmott, senior public policy adviser for the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, said: "These findings should ring alarm bells for employers. A certain level of pressure at work is of course desirable.

"However when the pressure people face regularly exceeds their ability to cope, in other words stress, it is likely to lead to time off work and is linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety and heart disease."

So I suggest you get up from your desk every now and then and delight your colleagues by doing a tea or coffee round. Try and take a proper lunch break, even if it's just 15 minutes or half an hour. Take the time to chat to your colleagues when you can.