March Madness could cost employers more than $12 billion in lost productivity

Employment firm Challenger, Gray reports that March Madness could cost U.S. employers more than $12 billion in lost productivity as millions of Americans follow the NCAA men's basketball tournament over the coming weeks. The estimate reflects time spent by employees watching games, checking scores, and participating in office pools during work hours. Workplace distraction during the tournament is a recurring economic headwind for companies during March and early April, when the event runs. The productivity loss underscores the challenge large employers face managing employee engagement during major sporting events that capture national attention.