March Madness brackets help coworkers bond at Scottsdale office

PHOENIX (AZFamily) — It was not “just another day” at the office at Anderson Advertising and Public Relations in Scottsdale, not with the NCAA college basketball tournament games going on.

“If you’re like me, you have about four screens up watching every game possible while trying to get some work done,” said project manager Brett Harms.

It is one of many offices around the Valley and across the country that have integrated the March Madness experience into the workplace.

Everyone at Anderson has filled out a March Madness bracket, picking the winners of all the games.

Maddy Mantsch admits she doesn’t know much about college basketball, so she uses her own unique approach to make her picks.

“If I went to that school, would I survive there?” asked Mantsch. “Would I have a good time? Is there a beach? That’s how I decided my bracket and it’s doing really well so I guess I have really good insight.”

Michigan State fan Sara Cody insists having the TV on and watching the games during the workday is not as big a distraction as people think.

In fact, Cody said it helps bring coworkers together through some friendly competition and a little trash-talking.

“What it actually helps is bring more collaboration because everyone is talking about basketball,” said Cody. “We are all on the same page to easily shift and pivot and focus on client work and the day-to-day priorities as well.

“March Madness just brings a big energy into the office,” said Cody. “I think everybody is buzzing about their bracket.”

However, a new study shows employers can lose $9.6 billion due to low productivity during the tournament.

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