Olympic fever slowing down productivity

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP) - Olympic fever is running high as more people are keeping track of the Olympics while they're working.  Marge Frank of Hatfield says she's been feeling it since last week.

“I watch it every night since the opening ceremonies, a big fan.  I don't try to keep up with it at work because that's not the right thing to do,” said Frank outside the EMS store in Hadley.

And Frank seems to be one of the few who aren't wasting time at work.  One recent estimate says this year's Olympic fever could slowdown productivity at work. 

The digital media company Captivate Networks says one in 10 American workers plan on watching the Olympics at the office.  The survey found the trend will make workers less productive, and it could cost U.S companies $650 million.

But overcoming the urge of watching the Olympic Games is pretty much impossible if you work at a TV or appliance store.  On Wednesday, every television set at Manny’s TV in Hadley was tuned into the 2012 London games.

“Yesterday we had some couple that made a purchase and sat down for about a half an hour to watch the Olympics. If we don't approach the customers, we don't make a sale,” said James Bertier, the store manager who admitted to sneaking in a glimpse in between customers.

The report says most people plan to watch the games online by streaming through a computer or mobile device.