"Hi Mage, screw the boss if I can't shop online here's my favourite chocolate chip cookie recipe!"

More employers are blocking internet shopping sites to ensure employees only shot 'till they drop on their own time

More employers block online shopping

By Sheryl Smolkin
Sunday, December 4, 2011

Every year I do more online shopping, particularly at the holiday season to conserve my energy and beat the crowds. But more employers than ever are blocking internet shopping sites to ensure their employees only shop ‘till they drop on their own time.

The majority (57 per cent) of Chief Information Officers interviewed by Robert Half Technology said their companies make it impossible for employees to access online shopping sites – up from 40 per cent last year. Another 30 per cent said they allow access but monitor activity for excessive use. CIOs at firms allowing online shopping said they expect employees to spend two hours per week, on average, surfing for deals this holiday season. While a company internet policy that requires employees to refrain from using their work computer for shopping or other personal use makes sense to me, blocking access to specific sites does not.

After all, these days almost everybody is selling something and employees may need access to some of these sites for legitimate business use. Also, if employees can shop in person on their lunch hour, why shouldn’t they be able to shop online while eating a sandwich at their desk?

But even if your company turns a blind eye to occasional retail therapy breaks, you may put your job at risk if you overdo it. Here are four tips to ensure your online shopping forays do not put you on your company's "naughty list" this holiday season:

1. Play by the rules. If your employer allows online shopping at work, know your company's policy, including sites or hours to avoid, before searching for deals

2. Buy rather than browse. A liberal computer use policy is no excuse to spend the day filling your shopping cart. If your company allows occasional online buying, limit your activity to quick transactions

3. Don't get stuck on your Smartphone. Mobile devices can make it easy to get around a strict online shopping policy, but always put work first.

4. Exercise caution. Any offer that looks too good to be true probably is. Avoid links or sites that could infect your company's network with phishing attacks or viruses.

Can you shop online at work? Should your employer be able to block shopping sites? Also read: Social buying sites join gift card ranks and Get ready for the 12 scams of the holidays.

Sheryl Smolkin is a Toronto lawyer, writer and editor. She can be contacted through her website or you can follow her on Twitter @SherylSmolkin.