TOPEKA (KSNT) - It's the most exciting time of the year for college basketball fans. The first round of the NCAA starts Thursday, March 20, and people are getting ready to cheer on their favorite team. But does the tournament impact work productivity? According to an Associated Press poll, about 1/4 of Americans fill out a Men's March Madness bracket "every year" or "some years". The NCAA said that last years first round of the tournament brought in an average of 8.53 million viewers. With games happening at all times of the day, you might think it would slow down work productivity. According to Fox Business, one study shows that the tournament could even cause the economy to lose $20 million in lost productivity. While the big dance could potentially hurt productivity, one human resource professional told 27 News it also has so many positives for businesses. "They take advantage of March Madness and use it as a way for team building, increase a little bit of fun within the culture, and basically use that energy that is being used," HR Partners President, Kristina Dietrick said. New Kansas Health and Environment labs debuted in downtown Topeka While Dietrick said some companies use the tournament to its advantage, one survey conducted by Action Network reports that 40% of people surveyed admitted to calling in sick to work to watch the games. That's why Dietrick said it's important to have a conversation with your employer ahead of time. "If you do anticipate that there may be issues, be proactive and have those respective conversations with your respective teams about what the expectations are in regard to time management around March Madness," Dietrick said. Dietrick told 27 News there are ways employers can reduce the chances of having a negative work environment for the tournament. These include dedicating a room where people can get away for a little bit to watch the games, providing food and participating in a work contest around the tournament. For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.  ...read more read less