As the evenings draw in and we head into the colder months, our reliance on screens tends to increase. For HR professionals, this offers an excellent opportunity to remind teams about the importance of effective DSE eyecare. Not just for comfort, but for productivity and wellbeing too.
Why winter matters
With fewer daylight hours and more time spent indoors, employees often find themselves spending longer in front of screens. One UK study found that among working adults who use digital devices, the mean usage was around 9.7 hours per day. Meanwhile, 77% of UK adults said their eyes feel strained after a long day at work. These statistics underline that digital eye strain is far from a niche issue, it is very much part of the modern workplace.
What is DSE eyecare and why it matters for HR
‘DSE eyecare’ refers to the practices aligned with using Display Screen Equipment (DSE) safely and comfortably. A well-implemented DSE policy will cover factors such as screen position and distance, lighting, breaks, and awareness of vision-related symptoms.
From an HR perspective this matters because:
- Discomfort or eye fatigue reduces concentration, potentially increasing errors or slowing output.
- When employees experience persistent eye or visual symptoms it may affect wellbeing, engagement and job satisfaction.
- Demonstrating care for ergonomic and visual health supports employer credibility around workplace wellbeing.
Importantly, under UK law, employers are required to provide eye tests for employees who regularly use screens. If corrective lenses are needed for DSE work, employers are also responsible for covering those. EyeMed UK makes this straightforward: with prepaid vouchers, employees can access eye tests and, if needed, glasses at one of our in-network opticians. It’s a simple way to stay compliant while showing employees that their health matters.
Practical tips for winter DSE setup
Here are some actionable suggestions that HR teams can incorporate into their communications, training or employee guidance.
- Check the lighting
In winter it’s easy to end up working in lower ambient light or with increased glare from artificial sources. Encourage employees to position their screens so daylight (if available) comes from the side rather than directly behind or in front of the screen. - Adjust screen distance and angle
The top of the screen should be at (or slightly below) eye-level, and the screen should ideally be at arm’s length away. Ensuring the screen is slightly tilted back helps reduce reflections and better aligns with natural vision. - Encourage regular micro-breaks
One of the simplest yet most effective measures is to remind employees not to stare at the screen continuously. For example: every 20 minutes take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away (or out of a window). HR teams can include prompts in internal communications or encourage the use of software reminders. - Review overall screen-time and setup
Though screen-time is not always entirely controllable in modern hybrid work settings, it is worth periodically reviewing how many hours employees spend actively using DSE and whether workstation setups are still fit-for-purpose (especially if they are working from home). One UK-based survey found the prevalence of digital eye strain (DES) at 62.6 % among device users. While not all cases will be severe, the prevalence suggests it should be on any employer’s radar.
How HR can lead the charge
By taking a proactive approach to eyecare, HR can help prevent symptoms from developing into more significant health concerns. Investing in employee DSE eyecare is not just legally required, it’s essential for wellbeing and productivity.
Winter may bring shorter days and longer nights, but it doesn’t have to bring tired eyes and reduced focus. By spotlighting DSE eyecare now, HR professionals can help teams stay comfortable, focused, and healthy through the darker months.
Get in touch with our team today for more information on our DSE eyecare plans.