News Spotlight

Employees may remove DEI from their resumes. Job seekers may worry about whether they should downplay their DEI work on their resume given the current climate (Fast Company).

The job market has been put on pause. The labor market is stagnant, with employees staying put and employers slowing their hiring efforts (The Atlantic).

Surveillance tech is abundant at the office. Employees are experiencing increased surveillance technologies designed to monitor attendance, workspace usage, and behavior, raising concerns about privacy and workplace ethics (Wired).

Stat of the Week

A new study finds that 51% of employees are watching for or actively seeking new job opportunities, the most since 2015. Employees prioritize greater work-life balance (59%), significant increases in their income (54%), and great job stability (54%).

This data highlights a serious retention risk for HR, emphasizing the need to address employees' evolving priorities around work-life balance, competitive compensation, and job stability. With over half of employees considering new opportunities, HR must take proactive steps to enhance the employee experience — offering flexible work arrangements, ensuring fair and meaningful pay increases, and fostering a culture of transparency and security around the company’s future. It also calls for deeper engagement efforts, like regular check-ins, career development support, and well-being initiatives, to strengthen employee satisfaction and loyalty. By listening to employee needs and acting swiftly, HR can reduce turnover and build a more committed, motivated workforce.

Deep Dive Article

How Digital Eye Strain is Impairing Productivity and Well-being in the Workplace

In an era where screens dominate both our professional and personal lives, a new study by VSP® Vision Care and Workplace Intelligence has uncovered a troubling trend: 68% of employees are struggling with digital eye strain and 59% report that it negatively impacts their productivity and effectiveness at work. The findings, part of the second annual Workplace Vision Health Report, highlight the growing prevalence of eye health issues in the workplace and call for employers to take more proactive steps to address this pressing concern.

The Growing Burden of Digital Eye Strain

The study, which surveyed 800 HR benefit leaders and 800 full-time employees across the United States, reveals that screen time has increased significantly over the past year. On average, employees are now spending 97 hours per week in front of screens—a nearly one-hour increase compared to the previous year. More than a third of this screen time is attributed to work-related activities.

This surge in screen time has coincided with a rise in eye health issues. According to the report, 63% of workers now experience at least one eye-related problem, up from 50% last year. Common issues include blurred vision, dry or itchy eyes, and eye fatigue—all symptoms consistent with digital eye strain. These problems are not just minor inconveniences; they profoundly impact employees' productivity, well-being, and overall quality of life.

The Impact on Productivity and Well-being

The consequences of digital eye strain extend far beyond physical discomfort. The study found that 51% of employees say their eye strain diminishes their overall well-being and quality of life. Moreover, 27% of workers have taken time off from work due to eye-related issues, underscoring the significant toll that digital eye strain is taking on both employees and employers.

"With screen time increasing and eye health worsening for much of today's workforce, employees are looking to their employers to provide vision care as part of their healthcare benefits offerings," said Usha Patil, President of VSP Vision Care. "By offering high-quality vision benefits, encouraging regular eye exams, and managing factors that contribute to worsening eye health, employers can help support overall employee health while fostering loyalty and boosting productivity."

Employers Can Do More to Help

Despite the clear impact of digital eye strain on the workforce, the study found that many employers are not doing enough to address the issue. While 89% of HR leaders believe their organizations should take more steps to help employees reduce digital eye strain, less than 60% have implemented measures such as encouraging eye breaks, providing anti-glare screen protectors, or offering flexible hours to allow employees to break up their screen time. This gap between awareness and action represents a significant opportunity for employers to improve employee health and productivity.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

One of the key recommendations from the study is the importance of regular eye exams. According to Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon, Vice President of Clinical and Medical Affairs at VSP Vision Care, eye exams are not just about vision correction—they can also detect signs of serious health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol.

"It's important for employees—even if they don't wear prescription glasses or think they have vision issues—to have access to eye care and be proactive about their eye health," said Dr. Sheety-Pilon. "Eye doctors can detect signs of more than 270 serious health conditions during an eye exam. This is why an annual eye exam can provide employees with one of the simplest ways to help protect themselves and ultimately lead to better health outcomes."

Tips for Promoting Better Eye Health

To help employers and employees address digital eye strain, the Workplace Vision Health Report offers several practical tips:

1. Encourage Regular Eye Breaks: The 20-20-20 rule is a simple yet effective way to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, employees should take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.
2. Provide Anti-Glare Screen Protectors: Anti-glare screens can help reduce the strain caused by prolonged exposure to bright screens.
3. Offer Flexible Work Hours: Allowing employees to break up their screen time throughout the day can help reduce the risk of eye strain.
4. Promote Regular Eye Exams: Employers should encourage employees to schedule annual eye exams, even if they don't currently wear glasses or experience vision problems.
5. Educate Employees on Eye Health: Providing resources and information on how to maintain good eye health can empower employees to take proactive steps to protect their vision.

The Broader Implications for Workplace Health

The findings underscore the importance of addressing digital eye strain as part of a broader strategy to promote employee health and well-being. As screen time continues to rise, employers must recognize the impact that digital eye strain can have on productivity, morale, and overall workplace satisfaction.

“With screen time increasing and eye health worsening for much of today’s workforce, employees are looking to their employers to provide vision care as part of their healthcare benefits offerings,” said VSP Vision Care President Usha Patil. “By offering affordable high-quality vision benefits, encouraging regular eye exams, and managing factors that are contributing to worsening eye health, employers can help to support overall employee health, while also helping to foster loyalty and boost productivity.”

Conclusion

The Workplace Vision Health Report serves as a wake-up call for employers to take digital eye strain seriously. As screen time continues to rise, the prevalence of eye health issues is likely to grow, further impacting productivity and well-being. By taking proactive steps to address digital eye strain, employers can create a healthier, happier, and more productive workforce.

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Quote of the Week

"Nothing is impossible. The word itself says 'I'm possible!"
​Audrey Hepburn