According to a survey of 140 respondents conducted by office design company Maris Interiors, the most common perceived office excess is prestigious artwork, mentioned by 17 per cent of employees.

Some 5 per cent believe the chief executive has gym equipment in his office – ranging from a few weights right up to treadmills and exercise bikes.

One boss at a design firm was said to have an en-suite sauna, and a bank chief was reported to enjoy a rooftop garden complete with hot tub leading from the office.

Maris Interiors chairman Michael Howard says, “We’re quite surprised by some of these findings. I’m not sure I’d want to have a meeting with someone and all the time be picturing them in the hot-tub! Or maybe they hold their meetings in the hot tub?’