Big boss is watching you shopping at work


Officer workers' on-the-job online shopping habits are being monitored by more than half of their bosses, with just 13 per cent of employers reporting they give unrestricted internet access, a survey reveals.
Data from the survey of chief information and chief technology officers, by recruitment firm, Robert Half, found that 27 per cent of employers completely blocked access to online shopping site.
While 54 per cent of respondents said they "allow access but monitor for excessive use", Robert Half Asia Pacific senior managing director, David Jones, said employees' internet use came down to "trust and a bit of given and take on the part of both the employer and employees".
"Employers realise that a degree of flexibility is important for staff trying to manage their work life balance," he said.
"Allowing employees to run the occasional personal errand, or to surf the web for personal reasons, like shopping, can make all the difference to them. It will also help keeping employee motivation levels up."
"At the same time employees should recognise that most companies monitor for excessive online activity, so understand your workplace internet policies. Always follow safe and secure browsing practices and limit online shopping to lunch breaks or time outside normal work hours."
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