Why SKREAM?

Part one: My March Madness…

Disclaimer… I am a huge NCAA March Madness fan and love filling out my brackets and watching as many games as I can. I think CBS putting the games on demand is the best thing they could have done. But I do have to work…

Since I am not a sports writer I knew it would be hard to make watching the games part of my job description. Then I had the great idea to look into the claim that the work production in the US drops noticeably during the weeks of March Madness and blog about it (that still doesn't give me an excuse to watch the games… but it's one step closer!).

Then Google ™ happened. Ok, I can't blame it on Google™ – I am the one that must find every bit of research and come at things from all angles before moving forward – Google Search™ is just my vehicle.

Well, I eventually discovered there was a much bigger controversy – the 'BOSS BUTTON' (insert scary music here).


But I digress… I really did the work researching the impact on work production, so I might as well report on that, since there really is a debate going on…

After reading many articles and reports on both sides I have come to the conclusion that in the end production stays about the same… especially in the current employment atmosphere where many companies have downsized and gotten rid of any positions that are not key. Those that are employed are a bit nervous about the employment rate in our country and are going to get their job done - brackets or no brackets.

Are people sneaking a quick look at the scores, or their brackets, or even watching whole games? Absolutely! But most workers have a certain amount of the day they spend not working – lunch breaks, coffee breaks, talk around the water-cooler, checking personal emails, checking on their eBay bids, etc, etc. During March Madness that time is spent looking at brackets and catching a few minutes of a game or two (or ten) instead.

There are even those that think March Madness has a positive impact on production. Many employers say that the workforce bond during this time and moral is boosted to the point that they work together better and are more productive. Many employees catch up on their work in the evenings when the games are over – it's not their fault the games are played during the day. J Some analysts even say (and I think this may be a stretch) that the work the brain has to do to study all the teams and fill out the brackets, especially in the limited amount of time between when the teams are announced and the first game is played, is a great mental workout that improves employees work skills.

In this economy, employees are disinclined to do anything that might put their jobs at higher risk than they already are. Meanwhile, employers have bigger issues to address than whether a few workers are using work time to fill out brackets or sneaking peeks at games online. Perhaps companies would be better served by allowing this 'minor' distraction during these anxiety-producing times. In light of the cost-cutting initiatives and the loss of perks, maybe employers could utilize March Madness to their benefit. A little distraction could be just what the doctor ordered. The key for companies is finding a way to maximize the positive aspects of March Madness to outweigh any negatives.

Companies can use this event as a way to build morale and camaraderie. One company allowed workers to wear their favorite team's apparel. It charged a small entry fee, which was donated to a local charity. Another held a free office pool, and rewarded the top four a free lunch and the overall winner a gift certificate.

Companies might want to consider some of the following March Madness activities:

Have an office pool for Charity. Employees pay a certain amount of money to fill out a bracket, the money gets donated to charity, but the winner still gets bragging rights.

Offer flexible schedules. On the four days when tournament games are played during work hours, allow workers the opportunity to arrive early or take a long lunch so they can work a full shift and still see some of the games.

Keep a bracket posted. For employers without companywide internet connection as bandwidth is constricted. Internet access, keep a large, updated tournament bracket in a common area so workers can check their teams' progress.

Stay tuned. Keep the television in a break room tuned to coverage to eliminate the need for workers to sneak peeks online, which can slow everyone's

Again, I am a fan of March Madness and brackets and such, and I feel I get just as much work done – but I could be biased. What are your thoughts on the subject? Do you get as much done? Do you feel you have co-workers or employees that don't pull their wait during this time of the year? Do you think that if employers participated in the activities that production would improve?

Time out – Half time is over and the UofW Huskies are back on the court again vs New Mexico. In my brackets I had them win the first game but losing this one. That doesn't mean I'm not cheering for the Dawgs!

To Be Continued…