As digital devices and screen time become increasingly integral to the modern workforce, the impact on employee health, especially eye health, has become a growing concern for organizations.
According to a recent Workplace Vision Health Report survey conducted by Workplace Intelligence, an alarming 68 percent of US employees experience symptoms of digital eye strain (DES). A further 59 percent acknowledged that DES symptoms such as blurred vision, eye discomfort, and dryness negatively affected their productivity. The survey also revealed that the average employee spends 97 hours each week in front of screens, with over a third of this time spent at work.
Given the growing prevalence of screen time-related eye strain, it’s clear that integrating eye care into corporate wellness programs is no longer a perk but a necessity. As companies invest in comprehensive wellness programs, integrating eye care into these initiatives has become a crucial strategy for enhancing productivity, reducing absenteeism, and promoting a healthier, more engaged workforce.
The link between eye health and productivity
The relationship between eye health and productivity is more direct than many might initially assume. Research consistently highlights the negative impact that poor vision and eye strain can have on work performance. For instance, in the survey cited above, over half of the surveyed employees (51 percent) reported that DES negatively impacted their well-being and overall quality of life. Consequently, as many as 27 percent of employees took time off from work due to DES.
More to the point, a study in the Journal of Computer in Human Behavior found that DES worsens during digital tasks with high cognitive demands. The authors ultimately concluded that as DES and its associated visuo-ocular symptoms worsen, task completion rates and efficiency decline with it. This underscores the importance of addressing vision challenges in digital-heavy roles to prevent reduced productivity.
Additionally, it’s noteworthy to mention that uncorrected vision issues, such as myopia (nearsightedness) and presbyopia (age-related farsightedness), also significantly hinder an employee’s ability to perform at their best. According to a Community Eye Health study, based on conservative estimations, the potential loss in productivity linked to uncorrected refractive errors far outweighs the cost of correction. Factoring in disability rates, employment rates, labor-force participation rates, and gross domestic product per capita, researchers found that the global productivity loss associated with visual impairment was about $244 billion for uncorrected myopia and could be as high as $54 billion for presbyopia.
The good news is that many of these issues can be prevented or alleviated with simple changes, and companies that prioritize eye care in their wellness programs are likely to see improved employee health and performance.
Key strategies to improve eye care in the workplace
There are several ways businesses can promote eye health and help employees improve their vision care habits. These tips are simple but effective, and can make a noticeable difference in employees’ comfort and productivity.
Address employee vision issues promptly
As discussed, uncorrected vision problems greatly affect workplace performance. Presbyopia, a condition that typically develops after the age of 40, makes it more difficult to focus on close tasks such as reading or typing. Meanwhile, myopia interferes with distance vision. Left uncorrected, it can pose a safety risk to employees when they drive or operate machinery.
Fortunately, both of these conditions are easily managed with eyeglasses. Employers can encourage workers to purchase affordable yet high-quality eyeglass frames from trusted retailers. For example, Eyebuydirect boasts a wide range of inexpensive eyeglasses. These frames can be fitted with single-vision or progressive lenses for presbyopia and myopia. Desk workers who spend extended hours in front of screens can also opt for blue light-filtering lenses to mitigate DES.
Encourage employees to undergo regular eye exams
A fundamental aspect of any wellness program should be providing employees with access to regular eye exams. Many vision issues are subtle at first, and employees may not realize that they have a problem until it becomes more pronounced. By offering eye exams as part of the benefits package, businesses can help employees identify and address vision issues before they interfere with work performance.
For organizations with existing vision care programs, ensure that employees are aware of their coverage and benefits. According to a Vision Council Consumer InSights report, Gen Z employees are less likely to undergo an eye exam despite having vision coverage. This may be due to a lack of awareness of the vision benefits to which they’re entitled. On a regular basis, disseminate reminders promoting any vision benefits, like eye exams or prescription eyewear coverage.
Create an eye health-friendly work environment
Lastly, an important part of preventing DES and maintaining good vision is creating a work environment that supports eye health. A previous article explains that some employees may struggle with vision sensory issues. In such cases, it’s wise to avoid super-bright fluorescent lights that may trigger photosensitivity. If possible, switch to desk lamps with incandescent bulbs. However, the best option would be to maximize natural light, which is also known to boost alertness and productivity.
Aside from lighting, incorporating ergonomic principles into workstation design, such as ensuring that computer screens are positioned at eye level, can minimize the strain on employees’ eyes and necks. Employers can take it a step further by providing workers with 3M’s anti-glare screen protectors, which reduce the intensity of light beams to alleviate DES symptoms.
Final thoughts
The impact of poor eye health on productivity, efficiency, and overall job performance is significant; however, it can be mitigated through the proactive measures outlined above. With these strategies, companies can reduce the negative effects of DES and other vision-related problems.
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