New Research Finds Concerning Trends Among Gen Z Employees

50% of employees say they’re struggling with at least one eye issue, impacting their work focus and quality

VSP^® Vision Care has just released new research, conducted by Workplace Intelligence, that reveals a concerning trend among Gen Z employees: 82% are working longer hours, including nights and weekends, and 54% say their eye health is worsening as a result.

The survey, which polled 800 human resource benefit leaders and 800 additional full-time employees at U.S. organizations, highlights how today’s workforce is increasingly struggling with too much screen time and symptoms consistent with digital eye strain. The research also reveals that some employee groups, including younger generations and remote workers, are affected by these trends more than others.

Key findings from the study include:

• Excessive screen time: On average, employees are getting over 96 hours of screen time a week, with more than a third of that time coming from work.
• Long work hours: 69% of employees say they’ve worked longer hours over the past year, for example nights and weekends. An alarming 43% report that their eye health is worsening as a result.
• Generational impact: 82% of Gen Z employees report working longer hours, and 54% say this has impacted their eye health.
• Remote work considerations: Remote and hybrid workers get more than 7 hours of screen time each day, compared to just 5.5 hours for on-site employees.
• Productivity loss: 50% of workers have at least one eye issue, for example blurred or poor vision, eye strain and fatigue, or dry and itchy eyes. Workers struggling with these issues report negative impacts on their productivity (63%), ability to focus (55%), and mental health (42%). 

"At VSP, we believe that eye health is essential — and everyone deserves to see their world clearly," said VSP Vice President, Clinical and Medical Affairs, Dr. Valerie Sheety-Pilon. "Vision care is a powerful and vital tool in helping to ensure the overall health and well-being of today’s workforce.”

“With a growing number of employees working longer hours, our research indicates that screen time may be at an all-time high,” said Dan Schawbel, Managing Partner, Workplace Intelligence. “Employers have an opportunity to meet this moment for their employees, improve their organization's productivity, and reduce healthcare costs by providing the support and benefits their people need to reduce digital eye strain.”

For more information on the study and tips for helping workers reduce their screen time, download the report here.
 

Contact us to schedule a free consultation with VSP.