Remote and hybrid working have become a cornerstone of modern working life in the UK. For employees, it offers flexibility and balance, and for organisations, it can mean higher satisfaction and retention. Yet with the shift away from traditional offices, new responsibilities emerge, particularly when it comes to supporting employees’ eyecare in home-based desk roles.
Screen-based work is now an everyday reality, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of comfort or productivity. In fact, it’s often the small tweaks that make the biggest difference. Recent research shows that over 62% of UK adults who use screens for work report experiencing digital eye strain, and almost 77% of UK adults feel eye fatigue after a long workday. With such a significant portion of the workforce affected, it’s clear that employees’ eyecare should be an organisational priority. By taking a proactive approach, employers can protect their employee’s wellbeing while also strengthening performance.
Ergonomics: The Foundation of Employees’ Eyecare
Even at home, ergonomics matter. Monitors should ideally sit 40–76 cm away from the eyes, with the top of the screen level with or just below eye line. The reality, however, is that many home workers are perched at dining tables, slouched on sofas, or balancing laptops on makeshift desks. It’s not hard to see how this can take its toll over time.
Encouraging simple adjustments, like stands, external keyboards, or supportive chairs, can transform comfort levels and reduce long-term pressure on eye health. For HR leaders, providing ergonomic guidance is a small but high-value investment. Checklists, short training videos, or even a quick webinar can give employees the tools to set up healthier workspaces. These actions don’t cost much, but they send a powerful message: employees’ eyecare matters.
Screen Breaks: Building Eyecare into the Day
We’ve all had days where hours disappear in front of the screen. But long stretches without breaks are one of the main drivers of digital eye strain. The 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds – is a proven and accessible way to reduce symptoms. Encouraging employees to take short breaks not only protects their eyesight but also helps to sustain attention levels across the working day.
Even small habits, like remembering to blink more often, can make a big difference. (Yes, it sounds obvious, but screen time reduces natural blinking frequency, which explains why eyes can feel dry and tired by mid-afternoon.) Embedding these micro-habits into daily routines represents one of the simplest ways to strengthen employees’ eyecare.
Lighting: An Overlooked Part of Employees’ Eyecare
Lighting is easy to overlook but can have a huge impact. A laptop facing a bright window can mean hours of squinting, while a poorly lit corner forces eyes to work overtime. Positioning a screen perpendicular to windows helps reduce glare, while adjustable desk lamps balance lighting in darker spaces. A poorly lit environment forces the eyes to work harder, which accelerates fatigue. Providing your team with clear guidance on light placement and glare control helps them create comfortable work environments at home.
Affordable Vision Care for Remote Workers
Practical advice goes a long way, but professional support is essential. Regular DSE eye tests and corrective eyewear are not only a compliance requirement under UK law but also a vital part of a robust wellbeing strategy. Ensuring employees can access eye care in a simple, affordable way is the most direct method of protecting long-term health.
EyeMed UK makes this simple. With vouchers for eye tests and glasses tailored to screen use, employers can provide support without adding to HR’s workload. It’s a seamless way to stay compliant while ensuring employees’ eyecare is always looked after.
Why Employees’ Eyecare Matters for Employers
For HR and benefits leaders, employees’ eyecare represents both a compliance responsibility and a strategic opportunity. Studies show that more than 72% of UK office-based and remote employees now experience regular, debilitating symptoms of digital eye strain. Proactive measures such as ergonomics, screen break routines, lighting improvements, and accessible vision care protect the workforce, reduce presenteeism, and sustain productivity.
Remote working has changed where work happens, but not the responsibility organisations hold. By making employees’ eyecare a core part of remote working policy, employers demonstrate care, build trust, and create healthier, more engaged teams.
If you are interested in managed vision care for your employees, get in touch with us today.
Sources for Statistics
- PubMed (2024): 62.6% of UK/Ireland screen-using adults experience digital eye strain; 94.3% report musculoskeletal discomfort; 89.5% report ocular symptoms; 8.1% say symptoms significantly affect productivity.
- Ergonix / Human Focus: 77% of UK adults report eye strain after a long workday.
- Wecovr (2025): Over 72% of UK office-based and remote workers report regular, debilitating symptoms of digital eye strain.
- HR News: Ergonomic recommendation of 40–76 cm screen distance.
- Big Ideas for Small Business: Recommendations on reducing glare and using adjustable lighting in home offices.