A 2017 study by Randstad (one of the largest HR services companies in the U.S.) found 89% of employees agreed office pools help build better team camaraderie. Furthermore, March Madness office pools can improve employee engagement and work satisfaction. The study also found that 76% of employees checked game scores while at work. Moreover, 53% of employees watched March Madness events on company computers. The findings also point to other positive outcomes, particularly when it comes to Gen Z and Gen X:
- 84 percent of workers agree office pools go a long way to make their jobs more enjoyable (91% of Gen Z; 88% of Gen X)
- 79 percent of employees agree participating in office pools greatly improves their levels of engagement at work (85% of Gen Z; 84% of Gen X)
- 73 percent of workers agree they look forward to going to work more when they participate in office pools (82% of Gen Z and Gen X)
- 50 percent of employees meet up with coworkers after work to watch a college basketball game in March (58% of Gen Z; 53% of Gen X)
- 39 percent became closer with a coworker after participating in an office pool (58% Gen Z; 41% Gen X)
- 41 percent of workers say they have participated in college basketball brackets in their offices
- More men than women participate in college basketball brackets in their offices (53% of men; 29% of women)
- The average amount of money contributed to an office pool by employees is $22.44
- 81 percent of workers who chose not to work the day after watching a March college basketball game called in sick
So should employers be concerned about March Madness at work? Only worry if you state has gambling laws, then it can be problematic. Ultimately, managers should not worry too much, the games bring employees together and build teamwork. Heck, the endorphins will be flowing after watching the games, so employees go back to their desks energized to work!