Higher gas prices are not just hitting Americans in the wallets, they are hitting them in the attitude too. In addition to finding that 60 percent of employees say that buying gas has reduced the amount of money they have to spend on other things, a study at Florida State University found that the most affected by gas prices were more likely to be experiencing stress both on and off the job.

The greatest effect was distraction on the job caused by worrying about financial matters. Most employees didn’t think the company was sacrificing due to the rising gas prices and were less committed to their jobs. Employees felt alone in their sacrifices as gas prices took a bigger chunk of their paychecks.

Those personally affected by gas prices who did not see the company sacrificing were less committed to getting things done while at work. Compared to those who felt that their company was doing without, those who felt alone in their sacrifice:

* Were 15 percent less committed to the company.

* Had job performance levels that were 12 percent lower.

* Were 20 percent less willing to stay late or work extra if needed.

* Were 25 percent less likely to give “maximum effort.”

Higher gas prices leave many workers running on empty