Employment trends expert explains these findings and suggests staff management techniques

Recent statistics reveal that March Madness has become more popular than ever before, thanks in large part to the worldwide betting that takes place. Over 60 million people are expected to fill out brackets this year, with an estimated $10 million being put on the table. However, there is another cost which people may not expect: A downturn in employee productivity.

“March Madness can be a drain on a company’s time and resources,” says Rob Wilson, employment trends expert and President of Employco USA. “With millions of Americans filling out brackets and managing their bets, you can bet that employee productivity takes a hit during this time of year.”

In fact, research shows that lost wages caused by employee distraction and poor productivity during March Madness could amount to losses of up to $1.9 billion!

Wilson says, “Between filling out brackets, researching picks, watching the games and then calling in sick or skipping work due to game days or hangovers, you are looking at a sharp downturn in employee performance. Luckily there are some ways you can manage this common nationwide issue.”

Offer computers for personal use. “Make sure that you are keeping a close eye on your employees’ internet usage,” says Wilson. “Any time employees have free, unfettered access to the Web, you are going to be looking at a decrease in employee productivity. Here’s an alternative: Offer your employees 1-2 computers for personal use during their breaks. Make sure the computers are in a public area and have a sign-in sheet to ensure that everyone will get a fair chance to use the computers and that people do not use them for extended periods of time. That way, if anyone needs to check their personal email or use the Internet on their lunch break, they don’t need to use their official work computers.”

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Employment trends expert explains why every day is now Casual Friday

A recent U.K. study found that only 1 in 10 people now wear a business suit to work. Meanwhile, 3 out of 4 workers say that they ‘dress down’ every day.  And, 69% of the surveyed employees say that they are more concerned with dressing comfortably rather than dressing for success. Other recent studies on American sartorial choices also show that we are very guilty of eschewing suits and heels and instead reaching for yoga pants and comfy shoes when we dress for the office.

Rob Wilson, President of Employco USA and employment trends expert says, “I have seen this time and time again in my line of work. Casual Friday is no longer just a once-a-week affair…now it’s more common to see men wearing button down shirts and chinos rather than business suits, and women in leggings and tunics instead of blouses and skirts.”

What’s the reasoning behind this new casual dress trend, and should employers be concerned about this new lax style of dress?

“I think we can blame people like Steve Jobs and other tech moguls for the new casual dress trend. They proved that you don’t have to wear a business suit to make millions…you can wear jeans and a T-shirt and still be a CEO,” explains the employment solutions expert. “Additionally, the new remote-employee trend means that many workers are now Skyping into meetings or working half-days, so they are less likely to put on that power suit and instead just show up in their jeans and tee.”

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