Office worker surrounded by rain clouds shops online

Is Your Boss Watching? How 'Cyberslacking' and Bad Weather Impact Online Shopping

Mira Elwood in Business & Economy June 2025 • 4 min read.

"Uncover the surprising link between workplace distractions, gloomy days, and your online shopping habits. Learn how external factors influence e-commerce trends."

Online shopping has exploded in recent years, becoming a major part of how we spend our money. In 2017, global e-commerce sales hit a whopping $2.29 trillion, accounting for over 10% of all retail sales worldwide. Mobile commerce is leading the charge, making up over 70% of e-commerce in China and India, and at least a third in countries like Germany, the UK, and the US.

Before making a purchase, many of us compare prices online. These price comparison websites, or 'shopbots,' have become essential tools for savvy shoppers looking for the best deals. Instead of relying on surveys, this article dives into real data from a shopbot to reveal the external factors that drive our online shopping habits. Specifically, we will investigate how the day of the week and the weather affect online price searches.

Does the temptation to browse shopping sites increase when work is slow, or when it is a dreary day? This article examines these possibilities, exploring the concepts of 'cyberslacking' and the psychological impact of weather on behavior to analyze online shopping patterns and provide useful insights for both consumers and retailers.

Cyberslacking and Online Shopping: Do Workday Distractions Fuel Retail Therapy?

Office worker surrounded by rain clouds shops online

Prior studies suggest that firms tend to get fewer clicks on weekends relative to weekdays (Baye et al., 2009). When people return to work on Mondays, they may look for small distractions to avoid work, while still maintaining a semblance of productivity. This is where 'cyberslacking' comes in.

Cyberslacking, or 'cyberloafing,' involves using the internet at work for personal reasons. This can include social media, chatting with colleagues, and, of course, online shopping. It's a way to procrastinate without appearing unproductive (Lim, 2002). While it can cost companies money, short breaks for non-work activities can also boost job satisfaction and creativity (Lavoie & Pychyl, 2001; Eastin et al., 2007).

Weekdays vs. Weekends: Are people more likely to shop online during the week, especially on Mondays?
The 'Blue Monday' Phenomenon: Psychological research shows that moods tend to be lower on Mondays (Ryan et al., 2010). Could this drive people to seek comfort in online shopping?
Emotional Well-being: The beginning of the work week contrasts sharply with the weekend, potentially influencing online shopping behavior (Larsen & Kasimatis, 1990; Egloff et al., 1995; Reis et al., 2000; Ryan et al., 2010).

The analysis showed consumers are more likely to engage in online price search during weekdays, prevalence on Mondays. By indulging in a bit of online window shopping (or actual purchasing), workers find a temporary escape from the grind. As a result, retailers may want to consider targeting promotions and deals toward the beginning of the week.

The Weather Outside is Frightful, But the Deals are So Delightful: How Climate Impacts Online Shopping

Bad weather often leads to fewer outdoor activities. Instead, people turn to indoor options like online shopping. Climate conditions can significantly affect mental health (Berry et al., 2011), even leading to higher suicide rates (Preti, 1998; Preti et al., 2007; Kim et al., 2011) or aggression (Anderson, 1989). Subjective well-being is closely tied to weather events and meteorological conditions (Rehdanz & Maddison, 2005; Curini et al., 2015; McGillivray and Clarke, 2006).

About this Article -

This article was crafted using a human-AI hybrid and collaborative approach. AI assisted our team with initial drafting, research insights, identifying key questions, and image generation. Our human editors guided topic selection, defined the angle, structured the content, ensured factual accuracy and relevance, refined the tone, and conducted thorough editing to deliver helpful, high-quality information.See our About page for more information.

Everything You Need To Know

What is 'cyberslacking' and how does it relate to online shopping?

'Cyberslacking,' or cyberloafing, is the act of using the internet at work for personal reasons. This includes activities like social media use, chatting with colleagues, and, importantly, online shopping. The relationship is that when individuals experience 'cyberslacking,' they may turn to online shopping as a form of procrastination or a temporary escape from work-related tasks. This behavior is particularly prevalent on weekdays, especially on Mondays, when people may seek distractions to avoid work while still appearing productive.

How does the weather affect online shopping behavior, and what's the underlying psychology?

Weather conditions, particularly bad weather, can significantly impact online shopping habits. When outdoor activities are limited due to inclement weather, people tend to seek indoor alternatives, including online shopping. The psychological aspect involves the influence of weather on mental health and subjective well-being. Studies show a link between weather events and mood, potentially driving people to seek comfort or enjoyment through online purchases. This is because, for example, bad weather is linked with lower moods and may cause people to seek online shopping as a remedy.

How can retailers leverage the insights from 'cyberslacking' and weather impacts to improve their strategies?

Retailers can use these insights to target promotions and deals more effectively. Knowing that online price searches increase during weekdays, especially on Mondays, and that bad weather encourages online activity, retailers can strategically schedule their promotions. They might target special offers towards the beginning of the week or during periods of adverse weather. By aligning their marketing efforts with these trends, retailers can potentially increase sales and customer engagement.

What are 'shopbots,' and why are they important in the context of online shopping?

'Shopbots' are price comparison websites that have become essential tools for online shoppers. Before making a purchase, many consumers use shopbots to find the best deals. The article uses data from a shopbot to analyze how external factors, such as the day of the week and the weather, influence online shopping habits. Therefore, shopbots provide valuable data on consumer behavior and are important in understanding the dynamics of the e-commerce market.

Besides 'cyberslacking' and weather, what other factors influence online shopping behavior, as suggested by the context?

The context suggests that the day of the week influences online shopping behavior, with weekdays, especially Mondays, showing increased activity. Psychological factors such as mood and emotional well-being, are also influential. The beginning of the work week often contrasts sharply with the weekend, potentially driving online shopping behavior. Therefore, beyond 'cyberslacking' and weather, factors like the work week cycle and mood significantly affect online shopping patterns.