While only a small number of professionals admitted they’ll use company time to shop online this holiday season, they each plan on wasting an average of nearly three hours per week on this task, according to a survey.
Staffing firm Accountemps recently polled 539 workers 18 years and older who are employed in an office environment.
Although managers should take comfort in the fact that seventy nine per cent of professionals said they’ll resist the urge to seek online bargains on company time, the 2.7 hours a week wasted per worker does add up.
The report offers some advice to employees on how to balance work and personal obligations this holiday season. First, it helps to know the corporate policies that define appropriate use of the Web, telephone, e-mail and instant messaging. So, get familiar with the rules or ask your manager for clarification.
Second, it might help to take a couple of vacation days to do your shopping. But avoid procrastinating and request your days off well in advance to ensure you actually get them.
Finally, give yourself the gift of organization. If work is light around the holiday season, then work ahead for the new year by tying up loose ends and eliminating clutter around your tasks.
