IT was meant to make things easier, but the internet is proving to be more of a hindrance than a help in the workplace.

New research shows almost three-quarters of Australian workers say "watching YouTube" is the most common online activity at work.

More than 70 per cent shop for gifts and gadgets at the office when they should be working, while two-thirds are buying concert tickets.

The survey from Dynamic Business Magazine also shows more than a third of Australians spend at least an hour on Facebook while at work.

"Many of us are in front of a computer for the majority of our work day, often in our own cubicles or offices and now we know what's really going on," said DBM's Jen Bishop.

"This kind of online activity is often generated by emails we receive promoting sales or new products, emails about new messages or posts on Facebook or friends emailing about new YouTube videos we just have to watch," Ms Bishop said.

More: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/business/youtube-facebook-biggest-work-distractions-survey/story-e6frez7r-1225839895757