Rising living costs are reportedly leading some Australian workers to take everyday supplies from their workplaces and make greater use of office facilities to reduce their household expenses.

According to Brett McAllen, chief executive of serviced office provider @Workspaces, some businesses have noticed employees taking items such as toilet paper, tissues and cleaning products home.

Other workers are reportedly using workplace showers more frequently, washing clothes, preparing meals and charging electronic devices at work to reduce their electricity and water bills at home.

McAllen said businesses were already facing increasing operating expenses, including electricity, water, internet, cleaning, maintenance and workplace supplies. The additional use of these facilities was placing further pressure on business costs.

Although individual items may have little value, repeated losses across a workplace can become expensive. McAllen also suggested the behaviour could indicate that some employees were experiencing serious financial difficulties.

While modern workplaces commonly provide kitchens, showers and other amenities for staff, the distinction between normal workplace use and using these facilities to cover household needs is becoming less clear as people look for ways to manage rising living expenses.