Human Resources: Workplace distractions can cost US industry billions

A new study by U.S. information technology research company Basex, reveals that distractions in the workplace cost around US$558 billion in lost productivity.

Distractions such as visits from coworkers, answering the phone, leaving your desk and starting a new task on the PC, can consume up to 2.1 hours per day.

The survey did not reveal how much time was lost talking about last night's episode of Desperate Housewives, how well little Johnny is doing in school and who will win the footy on Saturday.