Come To Think of It...The Costs and Benefits of the NCAA Tournament

As our nation slips slowly into full recession, or is already in the midst of one, depending on whom you believe, March Madness may be the tipping point.

One recent report estimates that businesses will suffer a productivity hit to the tune of about $3.5 billion due to employees focusing on NCAA basketball instead of work during March Madness.

Sure, there are many workers in offices tuning into games over the Internet. And just as many are spending work time filling out brackets and making wagers.

But hey, so what?

It's not like it's the only time employees slack off at the workplace. Whether it's Internet surfing, chatter by the water cooler, or just plain daydreaming, people have been finding clever ways to avoid anything resembling that dreaded four-letter word forever.

I say that if there is any loss in productivity, it's more than compensated by the energy people bring into the workplace during the Tournament. Instead of walking in and slamming your head into your drawer hoping the world goes away (and the boss doesn't catch you), people are excited and talking to each other.

Turns out that sharing this Madness can be a good thing.

Diane Swanson, a management professor at Kansas State University, said sports enthusiasm can connect employees, increase their interest in work and foster camaraderie—a benefit during these times of outsourcing and downsizing.

“There’s a different climate for employer/employee relationships than there has been in the past,” Swanson said. “There’s more job insecurity. So anything that can boost morale and solidarity and a feeling of loyalty in the workplace would be a positive thing.”

Hey, glad to help. And if the economy plunges further into despair, know that March Madness only lasts so long. 

Of course, April starts the baseball season. Come to think of it, there's always an excuse to slack off. After all, we love to work at nothing all day.