According to an annual survey by Chicago-based placement firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas Inc. college basketball’s “March Madness” may cost employers abuot $1.7 billion in productivity. March Madness which begins March 18 in Dayton, Ohio,

This number is based on the 37.3 million workers expected to participate in office pools during the National Collegiate Athletic Association’s men’s basketball tournament, and the 1.5 million expected to watch games online from their desks.

The 65-team tournament has become so popular even non-sports fans follow the games and participate in betting pools. According to John Challenger, chief executive officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, “While the games can boost office morale, it comes at the expense of the bottom line…Those who insist there will be no impact are kidding themselves…The key for companies is finding a way to maximize the positive aspects of March Madness so that they outweigh the negatives.”

Source: honoluluadvertiser.com