As March rolls around, so does the feverish excitement of March Madness, one of the most anticipated events in the sporting calendar. For many, it's not just about cheering for their favorite teams; it's also about the thrill of filling out brackets and participating in office pools. But as employers, the decision to allow or prohibit in-office gambling for March Madness comes with its own set of challenges and considerations. Let's dig into the pros and cons to help navigate this delicate balance.
Pros:
Boosts Morale and Engagement: Allowing employees to engage in friendly bracket competitions can foster a sense of camaraderie and team spirit within the office. It provides an opportunity for employees to bond over shared interests outside of work tasks, potentially improving workplace relationships and morale.
Enhances Company Culture: Embracing the excitement of March Madness can contribute to a vibrant and dynamic company culture. It shows that the company values employees' interests and is willing to provide avenues for them to unwind and enjoy themselves within reasonable bounds.
Increases Productivity and Focus: Contrary to common belief, occasional breaks and diversions can actually enhance productivity by giving employees a mental breather. Allowing them to participate in March Madness activities during designated break times can reenergize them, leading to better focus and performance when they return to work tasks.
Promotes Healthy Competition: Healthy competition can drive individuals to excel and push their limits. Participating in bracket challenges can ignite a sense of competitiveness among employees, motivating them to strategize and engage in friendly banter without compromising professional relationships.
Cons:
Legal and Compliance Risks: Depending on the jurisdiction and the specific nature of the gambling involved, allowing in-office gambling for March Madness can pose legal risks for the company. It's crucial to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations regarding gambling to avoid potential legal ramifications and reputational damage.
Potential for Disruption: Excessive focus on March Madness activities within the office can lead to distractions and disruptions in workflow. Employees may spend excessive time discussing or monitoring tournament updates, leading to decreased productivity and missed deadlines.
Risk of Addiction: For some individuals, gambling can spiral into addiction, leading to financial and personal problems. While most employees may engage in March Madness activities responsibly, there is a risk that individuals with addictive tendencies may be adversely affected. Employers have a responsibility to promote a safe and supportive environment and should consider the potential impact on vulnerable individuals.
Inequality and Discomfort: Participation in office gambling activities may not be feasible or comfortable for all employees. Some may feel pressured to participate even if they're not interested, while others may abstain due to personal and religious beliefs or financial constraints. This can create feelings of exclusion or discomfort among certain segments of the workforce, undermining the sense of inclusivity and equity within the organization.
Suggestions:
Team Participation: Rather than having individuals creating brackets, we have seen success with teams/departments collaborating on these brackets on a volunteer basis. This promotes teambuilding but also allows for those who are curious but not fully prepared to participate without the risk of feeling left out or stressed about prepping for participation.
Awards: Rather than participating for the chance of winning money people have contributed, we suggest the company award the winning team something together- a lunch, a happy hour, a teambuilding event etc. This way you are avoiding the complexity and risk associated with gambling with cash, and instead focused on building community and culture within your organization.
Focus: As a Founder you just have to know that there will be members of your team that are really obsessed with games this time of year. They will be checking scores on their phones and likely on their computers. Set realistic expectations, remind of policies you have created, but also be flexible. Monitoring this too closely can create a micromanaged culture that is hard to recover from later, but not monitoring at all can turn your office into a sports bar. (We have seen both!) We suggest having designated times to have games on or have a volunteer add overall scores on Slack at the end of the day for everyone to get caught up quickly. As a manager, focusing on your employees staying on track for their goals and productivity rather than what they are watching/checking throughout the day is important.
Communication: Being proactive in communicating your expectations around this time as well as what the company has decided is allowed for its employees during this time is critical. It is also very important to reiterate that any participation is completely voluntary and no one should feel pressured to participate (especially given sensitivities for those with gambling issues or religious conflicts with participation) as well as reminding people who have questions or want to talk through
Rather than adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, consider implementing guidelines and policies that promote responsible participation, provide alternatives for those who prefer not to participate, and prioritize compliance with relevant laws and regulations. By doing so, employers can harness the excitement of March Madness while upholding the values of safety, support, and inclusivity within the workplace.