More companies restrict holiday shopping at work

Many also monitor activity for 'excessive' use: Survey

Employees keen to get a head start on shopping for holiday gifts will have a tough time this year — 57 per cent of Canadian chief information officers (CIOs) said their companies block access to online shopping sites. That’s up considerably from 40 per cent last year, according to a Robert Half survey.

Another 30 per cent of the more than 270 CIOs surveyed said they allow access but monitor activity for excessive use. The CIOs whose firms allow online shopping said they expect employees to spend two hours per week, on average, surfing for deals this holiday season.

"While some companies look the other way when employees browse retail sites in moderation, many are restricting this access altogether," said Lara Dodo, a Canadian regional vice-president of Robert Half Technology. "This may prompt some employees to shop on their mobile devices while at the office. Workers should use their sound judgment when spending time on non-related business activities, as excessive use can be seen as a red flag for employers."

Company policy regarding employees shopping online while at work

2010

2011

Block access to online shopping sites

40%

57%

Allow access but monitor for excessive use

28%

30%

Allow unrestricted access

26%

12%

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