Cubicle Commerce: 3 in 5 Workers Shop During Work

Millions of American workers are preparing to hunt for deals from their desks this upcoming Cyber Monday, a significant shopping day. A recent survey indicates that three out of five full-time employees intend to scout Cyber Monday sales while on the clock. These on-the-job shoppers plan to spend an average of $214, contributing to the rise of convenience-driven online retail.

This trend of "cubicle commerce" significantly impacts work productivity, with nearly three-quarters of employees feeling no guilt due to the perceived commonality of the behavior. Retailers increasingly rely on these sales, leveraging marketing emails and exclusive product drops to capture consumer attention during the workday. On average, employees dedicate 2.4 hours weekly to online shopping during work hours, equating to 16 workdays annually.

The convenience of online shopping, accessible via laptops and mobile phones, has transformed Cyber Monday into a major retail event. In 2024, U.S. sales for this day reached $76 billion, substantially outperforming Black Friday. However, this habit isn't without risks, as one in four employees admit to being caught shopping online at work by a colleague or manager.