The sneaky thing that Australians are doing during work hours - and it's costing companies 7.6million hours of productivity a week

• e-mail

While staring at our computer screens, it's easy to get distracted and dream about sipping cocktails on the beach. 

Now new research has found the one sneaky activity that wastes 7.6 million working hours every week.

Two thirds of Aussie workers are guilty of researching and booking their next holiday during work hours, according to research by finder.com.au which surveyed more than 2,000 people.

A typical worker spends an average of 57 minutes a week planning and booking holidays instead of working.  

Two thirds of Aussie workers are guilty of arranging travel during work hours according to new research by finder.com.au (stock image) 

Aussies are searching travel plans at the office instead of working and it is costing businesses a massive $14.6 billion annually (stock image) 

This procrastination is costing Aussie businesses $280.8 million in wages every single week, adding up to a whopping $14.6 billion annually.

Travel expert at finder.com.au, Angus Kidman told news.com.au that holiday promotions might be the reason for this figure.

'Perhaps it’s because it’s all too easy to be distracted by two-for-one airfare deals and other sales that are coming straight to your inbox — and these are often announced during work hours,' he said.

 '[F]ive or 10 minutes here and there adds up and employees need to be researching or booking travel during breaks if they want to avoid an awkward meeting with HR down the line,' said Angus Kidman (pictured), travel expert at finder.com.au

'But five or 10 minutes here and there adds up and employees need to be researching or booking travel during breaks if they want to avoid an awkward meeting with HR down the line.'

The figures showed that men were more guilty of vacation hunting, with 67 per cent confessing to organising getaways at work, compared to 61 per cent of women.  

The research showed female employees also spent less time searching for fun in the sun, averaging 50 minutes a week, while males used 64 minutes.  

Research shows that Tasmanian workers are the most productive, with only 59 per cent of workers admitting to booking travel in the office, followed by Victorians 

Tasmanian employees are the most productive, with only 59 per cent of workers  admitting to booking travel in the office. 

The worst culprits are West Australians, as 72 per cent confess to a cheeky holiday search. 

Gen X is the most responsible when it comes to self control in the workplace. Only 57 per cent of Gen X workers admit they arrange travel at work. While older and younger workers just can't help themselves. 

Gen Y are the cheekiest, with 70 per cent saying they research travel at work, with Baby Boomers not far behind with 60 per cent looking at bookings.