March Madness could cost employers an estimated $12.1 billion, up $2.5 billion from 2024, according to an analysis by outplacement and executive coaching firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas, released Tuesday.

That comes from tournament-related absences and time spent during the workday making bets or watching games, the firm said.

“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,” Andrew Challenger, workplace and labor expert and chief revenue officer of Challenger, Gray & Christmas, said in a statement.

But, rather than trying to rein in worker distraction or absences tied to the annual tournament, companies should embrace the bracketology, the firm said.

“March Madness is a wonderful vehicle to lighten the mood and reengage potentially burnt-out workers,” Challenger said. “Workers love March Madness, and though it may cost employers in productivity, they should embrace this opportunity for real human connection.”

The firm suggests companies set up dedicated spaces for employees to watch games and discuss brackets, encourage staff to wear team gear to in-person and virtual meetings and create competitions and offer prizes.

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