SALT LAKE CITY — It's the beginning of March Madness. Tonight, BYU will take on Iona in a play-in game. More than half of the companies surveyed by Robert Half International say they're more productive in the month of March, despite the madness.

One problem companies face these days is morale.

Robert Half International Branch manager Jason Roberts said, "In the last little while, it has been more difficult. I think people's workloads have been added upon. People can get frustrated and [participating in March Madness] really can work as a relief."

Roberts says watching portions of the games and even taking part in office tournaments could be pretty good for company morale. It can help improve camaraderie between co-workers as they have something else that bonds them other than work.

"It will also give them time to take time off and really get to know each other as a team," Roberts said.

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But, there are ways to do it right and ways an employer can mess up. Roberts says it's important that managers set specific times when these things could take place so production isn't disrupted.

"Mainly, you can work with managers to make sure that you're setting breaks or setting times up where you can go check the scores online," Roberts suggested.

But, he says there are mistakes people can make while planning these things.

"I think the biggest mistake is not checking your company policy and jumping to the conclusion that you can go ahead and decorate your desk," he said.

Plus, he says you should never dump more work on one employee so another can join in the festivities.

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