With many jobs now requiring screen time, the health of our eyes is becoming even more important. So why don’t all companies provide vision benefits to their employees?
According to a survey, offering vision insurance to employees increases retention rates at the company by 87 percent. Whether or not a company provides employer vision benefits can significantly influence a potential employee’s decision to work there.
Additionally, as more and more employees throughout the U.S. spend time staring at a screen, employee productivity has decreased. Headaches, fatigue and focus have impacted 79% of employees job performance. This shows that although employers will be paying more money to supply vision insurance, it may help the company in the long run by keeping employees healthy, happy and productive.
Employees want vision insurance
Because vision coverage is not an option at all companies, employees often seek out companies that provide employer vision benefits. But what exactly are employees looking for?
As of November 2021, 80 percent of employees would prefer a benefits package over a pay raise. This may be surprising, but a comprehensive benefits package may determine job choices for many of today’s employees.
Vision benefits may help cover the cost of:
- Preventive eye exams
- Glasses or contacts
- Medical treatment for infections or scratches
- Surgery for eye injuries
Offering vision insurance saves money for employers
Supplying vision benefits save employees money and in turn, saves the company money. With digital eye strain at an all-time high, providing employer vision coverage boosts your company’s retention and reputation.
Companies that offer the option of employer vision benefits save money due to preventive vision care. According to a study, companies can save annually per employee when it offers supplemental vision benefits. This is huge for the company, as well as the employee because both will likely save money. Plus, employees will have healthy eyes, leading to increased productivity.
Screen Time Causes Eye Damage
Whether it’s staring at a phone screen, computer screen or television screen, most of us spend a large amount of time staring at a screen. Today, 80 percent of jobs revolve around a computer screen, so it should be no surprise that we are damaging our eyes and our overall health. But what is causing the damage to your eyes? The answer is blue light.
More screen time increases blue light exposure to your eyes. If you find yourself staring at screens for a good part of your day, it may be time to consider purchasing blue-light-blocking glasses, more commonly known as blue light glasses. Blue light glasses help ease symptoms such as headaches, eye strain and poor sleep.
Blue light glasses are not the only way to protect your eyes, here are a few other tips for reducing eye strain from screens:
- Limit screen time: Although your job might revolve around looking at a screen, taking regular breaks throughout the day is crucial
- Use the 20-20-20 Rule: Take a break every 20 minutes for 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away
As you can see, offering employer vision benefits can be instrumental in running a successful business. Having healthy employees translates to having a healthy company. So, keeping your employee’s eyes and health in tip-top shape is a must.
With our DeltaVision® plans*, businesses of any size can offer their employees vision insurance at an affordable rate.
Looking for more information on vision coverage? Check out this blog to learn more:
*DeltaVision is underwritten by Stryden, Inc., an affiliate of Delta Dental of Virginia. Claims processing, claims service, and provider network administration for DeltaVision are provided under contract, by VSP. VSP is a registered trademark of Vision Service Plan.
*Updated March 2023
