Workers are turning over a new leaf this New Year and resolving to be better employees.

Instead of the usual promises to stop smoking, drink less and take more exercise, employees are resolving to kick bad work habits, according to a new report.

A survey of 1,500 staff by recruitment firm Office Angels found common bad habits are missing deadlines, not returning phone calls and turning up to work with a hangover.

But workers are trying to improve. For example, more than half have resolved to stop flirting with colleagues.

They have also resolved to stop gossiping about colleagues, making personal phone calls from the office and pulling sickies.

"The New Year is the perfect opportunity for people to make a fresh start and change some of these bad habits - whether they are starting a new job or not," said Paul Jacobs, managing director of Office Angels.

"More and more employees, as well as employers, have noticed that they can improve their feeling of job satisfaction by simply changing their attitude to work and becoming more positive and professional."

Office Angels suggests that workers should ask colleagues to tell them what their worst habits are.