To many, March means the beginning of spring and warmer weather. To many others (over 11 million viewers), March means something very different – "March Madness," the NCAA's Basketball tournament. The impact of the tournament undoubtedly will find its way into the workplace and employers should be mindful of what to expect.
Before the Tournament: Gambling
In New Jersey, social gambling (such as purchasing brackets), is illegal if the organizer takes any money from the overall pool. There can also be liability if the social gambling takes place in a location that is open to the general public. If the organizer takes a piece of the pool or if the total dollar amount in the social gambling pool becomes excessively large, it might lead to an inquiry by law enforcement (or charges) which will be an unnecessary work distraction. In addition, while no one wants to be the "uncool" employer, social gambling, by itself, can lead to loss of productivity and even stealing time.
As a first step, employers should firm up their existing policies on gambling. They should prohibit any illegal gambling and also prohibit any social gambling during working time or in work areas. Employers should further advise against gambling with customers – inclusion of customers will only increase the risk that something could go wrong. Once the policy is set, employers should clearly communicate to their employees that there are rules in place and that employees may be disciplined if they do not follow company policy.
After the Tournament: Losers and Winners
Although we would like to think that all people will be gracious in both winning and losing, the reality is that some people take sports and gambling very seriously. Disputes over scoring or brackets can also cause discord among employees and lower overall morale. For this reason, it is imperative that employers monitor the workforce and ensure that if social gambling is permitted, that the professional atmosphere of the workplace is maintained at all times.
Following these simple steps should allow employers to enjoy the tournament instead of worrying about the potential pitfalls in the workplace.
Previously published in Patch.
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