Shopping Online During Work

Most Workers Don't Shop on the Company Dime
by Robert McCauley, Robert Half International

Office workers may be making a list and checking it twice -- but when it comes to purchasing gifts for loved ones, most are doing it on their own time. Only 1 in 5 professionals plans to shop online while at work during the holiday season, according to a recent survey.

Those who admit to the practice spend, on average, less than three hours online throughout the holiday season. The survey was conducted by Accountemps, a staffing service for finance professionals.

Playing by the Rules

While the holidays can place extreme demands on your time, pulling up your favorite shopping site at the office is almost always against company policy. More than ever before, businesses are cautious about the online activities of their employees. In fact, many firms have installed software programs -- or, in some cases, hired workers -- to monitor the email messages and surfing histories of their staff.

One reason companies are so concerned is security. Email attachments and visits to certain web sites can expose an organization's electronic network to worms, viruses and hackers. In addition, the use of company systems to conduct online shopping can significant slow computer performance for users throughout the organization due to the high number of pop-ups, animated ads and graphics that today's websites typically employ.

At a minimum, Internet surfing on the company's time can be embarrassing, especially if your purchases are highly personal in nature.

Tips for Safe Surfing

Here's some advice if you're tempted to surf the Web while at work:

Be aware. You may think that your company does not monitor online activity, especially yours, but the practice is more common than you probably realize. According to ProofPoint Inc., 38 percent of companies with 1,000 or more workers employ staff to read or analyze outgoing email messages. Your firm has the right to monitor any activity conducted using their computers, software or systems, even if you're simply checking your personal email account. Firms in certain industries, such as financial services and healthcare, are even more likely to monitor employee activity due to the confidential nature of their businesses. Some organizations may even be required to monitor employee Internet use to comply with certain regulations.

Know the rules. Most firms have policies in place that define the use of their electronic systems. Make sure you are familiar with your company's rules. If you have questions about your organization's guidelines, ask your manager or human resources representative for clarification.

Don't focus on email only. Your company's right to monitor your activity is not limited to the Internet or email system -- it extends to voice mail, instant messages, and even postings you have made on blogs and online message boards.

Be cautious. Any electronic activity on your part creates a record, whether in a colleague's email inbox, your computer's Internet site history or on a company server. You run a significant risk by shopping, surfing or sending personal e-mails at work if doing so is against your firm's official policy. Even legal action is not out of the question if you unwittingly spread information that can expose your company to legal, financial or regulatory risk. A poll by the American Management Association and the ePolicy Institute indicates that 26 percent of companies have terminated employees because of Internet misuse.

It may be unavoidable to forego all personal surfing or email use while at work, especially during the busy holiday season, but try to limit your activity as much as possible. If your firm allows it, shop at lunch or after work. Better yet, wait until you get home.

Robert Half International is the world's first and largest specialized staffing firm with a global network of more than 350 offices throughout North America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand. For more information about our professional services, please visit www.rhi.com. For additional workplace articles and podcasts, visit workvine.com.

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