The $12 billion distraction: Why March Madness might be exactly what we need

The experts on workplace focus say #MarchMadness is coming at just the right time

I just looked up from filling out my fifth NCAA March Madness bracket because a thought popped into my head: "Is this the most distracting week of the year?"

From the fun of St. Patrick's Day and the World Baseball Classic to the seriousness of dangerous weather and global headlines, there is an incredible amount of noise competing for our attention right now. Yet, one thing seemingly unites Americans like nothing else: the college basketball tournament and the ritual of picking a Final Four.

Walk out the door this morning and you can likely ask almost anyone you encounter who they have in their Final Four and which team they think will win it all. 

College basketball can be a slam dunk for a workplace.

I've been asking people another question recently that ties in here: "What are some distractions you have, and are they possibly just what you need?"

The cost of March Madness

Before answering that, we have to look at the data. I searched for "how many work hours are lost on March Madness," and as expected, the annual predictions of lost revenue flowed onto the screen.

The Hill referenced data from employment firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, which estimated that employers will lose more than $12 billion due to the tournament. This is driven by the 40.3 million working Americans who will be engrossed in the games—some of whom will even call out of work to watch. The first-round games held through the days on Thursday and Friday are typically the ones that rip the most focus away from the task at hand.

Andrew Challenger, Chief Revenue Officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, admits that these numbers aren't an exact science:

"It's difficult to gauge the real extent of productivity loss due to March Madness. Some workers report spending up to two hours watching games on the days when afternoon games are played."

The case for positive distraction

But is this actually an opportunity for a "positive distraction?" Could a shared experience like this distract us from the ever-present negativity in the world? Challenger hints that this is a distraction we might actually want to embrace:

"Workers love March Madness, and though it may cost employers in productivity, they should embrace this opportunity for real human connection."

Challenger even offered advice to employers dealing with low morale and burnout amid cost-cutting measures and layoffs:

"March Madness offers the chance for camaraderie that can revive the workplace. Office pools, watch parties, and department bracket challenges can not only create in-office excitement for fans, but can also connect remote workers with their colleagues."

By adding in some lunch or coffee, employers can turn the tournament into a genuine reason for workers to want to be in the office.

So, let's all take it a little easier on ourselves this week. Enjoy the Cinderella stories, the rising stars, the memorable performances and "One Shining Moment." After all, if a distraction helps us reengage and connect with the person in the next cubicle (or the next Zoom square), it might be the most productive thing we do all week.

🏀 And, in case you're wondering, my men’s Final Four is Michigan State, Vanderbilt, Arkansas, and Michigan—with the Wolverines winning it all. On the women's side, it's hard to not pick UConn to claim another title.