Cyber Monday is the first Monday after Black Friday, this year it falls on Monday 28th November. The term 'Black Friday' originated in America, its a day when retailers slash their prices resulting in increased sales and profits. Cyber Monday is traditionally when online retailers slash their prices. However most retailers taking part in Black Friday are also online, so many companies have discounts that run throughout the weekend from Black Friday to Cyber Monday. We review the potential HR issues relating to employees online shopping during working hours and provide practical advice for employers.
Cyber Monday & Employee Productivity Issues
Online shopping in the workplace is having an increasing effect on productivity costing the UK economy millions of pounds in lost working hours. With the continued growth of online sales, the problem of employees shopping during working hours is only going to get worse.
Essential HR Guidance for Online Shopping Policies
Clear communication about company policies relating to online shopping is crucial, as there's a good chance that when you're not looking some staff members may not be able to resist the chance to bag a bargain. To combat this, we recommend putting the following procedures in place:
- Advise all employees that work time should be treated as such and that online shopping during working hours is potentially a breach of your IT policy, and may be seen as workplace misconduct or unacceptable behaviour.
- Have a robust policy in place to protect the business. Purchasing items online means it's likely that spam levels will increase, and with it the danger of computer viruses. State clearly that if they want to shop online, not to do it using company email addresses or work computers.
- Advise employees whether they can use their breaks to shop online from their personal phone or computer.
- If you have home workers, make sure they are aware of the relevant policies, and if they have company computers, make sure that they know what is and isn't allowed so that there can be no confusion.
It's important to set clear boundaries for all staff so they are fully aware of the company rules and HR procedures relating to online shopping in the workplace.
For help putting a framework of HR policies in place or managing employee disciplinary issues get in touch with our expert team of HR Consultants today. Call 03333215005 or email info@wirehouse-es.com.
