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Black Friday Still Top Shopping Day

TORONTO, Nov. 16, 2017 /CNW/ - Workers may be checking-off shopping lists, not work tasks, this Cyber Monday, according to new research from Robert Half Technology. Nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of workers surveyed admitted to shopping during work hours on a company device, and 16 per cent of said they spent one hour or more shopping on the job during last year's Cyber Monday. This year, nearly one in 10 (9 per cent) of all respondents said they plan to spend more time online bargain hunting while at the office.

'Adding to Cart' At Break Time
Nearly half of workers (49 per cent) said they grab most of their Cyber Monday deals while on their breaks or at lunch, while others make purchases whenever they have a free moment during the day, keeping browser tabs readily open (30 per cent). Eighteen per cent of respondents preferred shopping first thing in the morning.

Cyber-Shopping Confusion
Corporate online shopping policies may not be as clear as employers think. Twenty-three per cent of workers said their boss or company allows them to shop online during Cyber Monday, while more than two-in-five (43 per cent) admitted they didn't know of about their workplace policy. 

When CIOs were asked to describe their organizations' online shopping policies on a company-issued device, almost half (46 per cent) said they allow access, but monitor for excessive use. Another 18 per cent said they allow unrestricted access, and 27 per cent said they block employees from accessing online shopping sites.

A Day Off to Shop
It may be convenient to grab holiday deals online, but a majority of workers would rather have a day off to shop sales in person right after the Thanksgiving holiday. Sixty-eight per cent of employees surveyed said they'd prefer to have a work-free day on Black Friday, rather than Cyber Monday (32 per cent).

"It's up to IT leaders to ensure their companies are prepared for the inevitable increase in online shopping during the holidays, by regularly communicating web policies and reinforcing cybersecurity protocols throughout the organization," said Deborah Bottineau, district director of Robert Half Technology. "As long as productivity remains consistent and web safety standards are adhered to, allowing employees the flexibility to accomplish some personal errands at work can go a long way to help mitigate the stress of the season."

About the Research
The surveys were developed by Robert Half Technology and conducted by independent research firms. They include responses from more than 270 CIOs in Canada and more than 400 workers 18 years or older and employed in office environments in Canada.

About Robert Half Technology 
With more than 115 locations worldwide, Robert Half Technology is a leading provider of technology professionals for initiatives ranging from web development and multiplatform systems integration to network security and technical support. Robert Half Technology offers online job search services at roberthalf.ca/technology. Follow blog.roberthalf.ca, and @RobertHalf_CAN on Twitter for additional workplace advice and hiring trends.

SOURCE Robert Half Technology