The value of good eye health in the workplace is frequently undervalued. As employees spend more time in front of a screen, their eyesight, as well as their performance and productivity, may suffer. Many eye problems or diseases, such as astigmatism, cataracts, dry eyes, and eye strain headaches, can have a significant impact on employee productivity and well-being.
Certain work settings can contribute to the development of eye conditions. Prolonged computer usage, for example, can exacerbate dry eye symptoms. Working outside in the sun without sufficient eye protection can lead to the development of cataracts or age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
Employees may skip work or take increasingly longer breaks if doing their tasks causes them increasing discomfort. They may be unaware that their discomfort is linked to vision problems. If these concerns are not addressed, poor eyesight can lead to serious workplace accidents and irreversible eye damage.
Fortunately, employers can do a lot to maintain an eye-friendly working atmosphere and promote good eye health among their employees. And, while offering vision insurance and eye care benefits will cost employers more money, it will pay off in the long run by keeping employees healthy, happy, and productive.
Here’s how offering better vision benefits can help improve your company’s bottom line.
1. Enhances Talent Acquisition and Retention
Some companies may view vision coverage as an optional perk, but it can help with employee loyalty, well-being, and safety. Employees today consider vision insurance an essential benefit. It is an important component of a comprehensive benefits package since it helps to recruit and retain employees while promoting vision wellness.
According to a Transitions Employee Perceptions of Vision Benefits survey, offering a high-quality vision package that includes premium lens coverage may increase employee retention.
Nearly nine out of 10 employees (87%) stated they would be more inclined to stay with a company that provided high-quality vision benefits, such as coverage of premium frames or contacts, preventive eye exams, medical treatment for eye infections, and surgery for eye injuries.
2. Boosts Productivity and Performance
Employees with vision issues find it difficult to complete their tasks. Several studies have shown that impaired eyesight leads to low performance and productivity. Whether your employees are suffering from eye strain or headaches, these vision-related concerns can be costly for both the employer and employee.
Employees may require more regular eye care depending on the nature of their profession. People who spend most of their workday in front of a screen may develop computer vision syndrome (CVS) or digital eye strain. Poor lighting, glare on a digital screen, and uncorrected vision problems can cause eyestrain, headaches, blurred vision, and dry eyes—adversely affecting productivity.
Premium vision benefits can increase overall performance and productivity by saving time and minimizing vision-related sick days. By offering eye care benefits, you provide your employees access to regular eye exams and corrective lenses to help them see clearly and prevent digital eye strain.
3. Helps Detect and Prevent More Serious Issues
Regular eye exams allow doctors to spot changes in employees’ vision and eye health. Changes in the eye could indicate the onset of major health problems such as diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, and thyroid disorder. Early detection of these medical conditions can help address them with more affordable treatments.
Early detection and treatment of treatable eye disorders such as glaucoma and macular degeneration are critical for maintaining long-term vision. Some eye disorders cause little to no pain and can progress gradually, resulting in significant loss of vision later in life. An eye care professional can diagnose, monitor, and treat many of these disorders to help preserve healthy eyes and vision.
4. Demonstrates Concern for Employee Health and Wellness
People want to work for organizations that care about them and not just their work. Implementing eye health practices in the workplace and providing eye care benefits as part of a larger wellness benefits package demonstrates to employees that you care about their health and quality of life.
Because many employees now work from home, they spend more time on digital devices. They can take advantage of eye care benefits to keep their eyes healthy and maintain good vision.
5. Saves the Company Money
If you upgrade traditional eye care benefits with a low-cost booster that gives employees access to premium frames, contacts, preventive eye exams, and other benefits, you’ll get more value out of every dollar invested and save thousands of dollars yearly.
While employee benefits packages historically focused on healthcare coverage, there is a growing demand for more comprehensive vision care. As digital eye strain and other conditions associated with increasing screen time become more prevalent, organizations must provide comprehensive vision coverage that employees can maximize to stay healthy and productive.
Final Thoughts
Help your employees take control of their eye health by offering better eye care benefits. Encourage employees to undergo an annual eye exam to evaluate their overall health and identify any conditions that might worsen if not treated. It can also be beneficial to conduct eye health seminars and other activities to educate employees about the importance of eye care.
