The financial stress piling up on employees due to an increase in home foreclosures and defaults on credit cards is having an impact on the workplace, potentially draining productivity and increasing emotional stress on the job.

ComPsych, a Chicago-based employee assistance provider, reports a similar surge in finance-related calls. “Our calls in general for mortgage-related issues are up over three times compared to last year,” says Richard Chaifetz, CEO of ComPsych. “Employees become preoccupied with financial issues at work. You see absenteeism, lack of performance and turnover as people look for jobs that may pay more.”

Nearly three out of five employees say they’re worse off financially this year, according to an August survey by ComPsych. Just 16 percent said they are better off, with more savings and less debt.