Black Friday’s Impact on Productivity: Survey Insights

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have long been synonymous with significant shopping deals, but their influence extends beyond retail trends. A recent survey by ResumeTemplates.com, featuring insights from 1,780 U.S. full-time workers, reveals the substantial impact these shopping events have on workplace productivity. From browsing deals during work hours to re-arranging schedules, employees are finding creative ways to balance their work commitments and holiday shopping needs.

Key Insights from the Survey

• High Shopping Participation:
  • 70% of full-time workers plan to shop Black Friday deals.
  • 84% of these shoppers intend to browse deals during work hours.
• Time Spent on Shopping During Work Hours:
  • 12% plan to shop for less than an hour.
  • 43% expect to spend 1–3 hours.
  • 21% anticipate 4–6 hours, while 4% estimate 7–9 hours.
  • 2% admit they’ll spend 10 or more hours shopping.
  • Only 16% of employees will refrain from shopping during work hours.
• Adjustments to Workplace Routines:
  • Employees plan to block calendars, delay deadlines, and cancel meetings to shop.
  • 18% of workers admit to planning a sick day, while 31% of in-office workers will shift to remote work for easier shopping access.
• Financial Impact:
  • 12% of shoppers anticipate spending more than a week’s pay.
  • 32% plan to shop more this year than in previous years.
  • Reasons for increased spending include inflation (31%) and upcoming tariffs (17%).

Expert Perspective
Julia Toothacre, Chief Career Strategist at ResumeTemplates.com, notes, “Black Friday and Cyber Monday are significant for holiday shopping, but they also challenge workplace productivity. Many employers recognize this and adjust schedules or grant time off during the shopping season.”

The influence of Black Friday and Cyber Monday extends well beyond consumer habits, reshaping workplace dynamics. With a majority of workers prioritizing seasonal shopping, businesses must navigate these challenges thoughtfully, perhaps by offering flexible work options or adjusted deadlines during this busy period.