Fewer people say they'll shop online while at work

It may be Cyber Monday, but fewer working folks are expected to be shopping -- at least while they're on the clock.

About 46 percent of workers said they will use Internet access at work this season as an opportunity to browse or shop for gifts online. That's compared to nearly 50 percent last year and 48 percent in 2007, according to a survey by BIGresearch and Shop.org.

Altogether, about 68.8 million people are expected to shop for holiday gifts while at work this season, compared to 72.8 million last year, BIGresearch data showed.

The decrease could be attributed to fewer employees in the workplace, concern about being fired or disciplined for using company resources, or those just too busy due to short-staffing, experts said.

Another survey done by Accountemps said 77 percent of those questioned indicated they were not planning to shop online while at work. When the survey was last done in 2007, it was 79 percent.

People also are expected to spend less time shopping online, from 2.7 hours in 2007 to 1.9 hours this year, the Accountemps survey said.

"People are more professional and want to keep work as their top priority," said Sara Knox of Hoffman Estates, Accountemps regional vice president.

"It's become a luxury they cannot afford. Companies are doing more things with less employees, so they have to focus on their work."