Why employers should offer vision benefits
*Updated March 2023
With many jobs revolving around screen technology, 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%. Whether or not a company provides employer vision benefits can significantly influence an employee’s decision to work there.
Increased screen time at work has had a negative effect on employee productivity in the U.S. In fact, 79% of employees’ job performance has been impacted by headaches, fatigue, and focus. This indicates that although employers may invest more money to supply vision insurance, it will help the company in the long run by keeping employees healthy, happy, and more productive.
Employees want vision insurance
Since 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% of employees would prefer a benefits package over a pay raise. This may be shocking to some, but a comprehensive benefits package seems to carry more weight for 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
Not only does supplying vision benefits save employees money but it also saves the company money in the long run. With digital eye strain at an all-time high, providing employer vision coverage boosts your company’s retention and reputation.
Companies who give 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 end up saving in the end. 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. 80% of jobs today revolve around staring at a computer screen all day, so it should come as 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 one’s 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:
- Limit screen time – Although your job might revolve around looking at a screen, it is crucial to take regular breaks throughout the day.
- 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 when it comes to 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:
