Contact center agents spend a significant amount of time glued to computer screens, managing customer queries, and ensuring efficient service delivery.
While the role is essential for maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction, it often exposes agents to eye strain—a common occupational hazard that can lead to discomfort, reduced productivity, and even long-term vision problems.
Eye strain in the workplace is a widespread problem. A comprehensive survey found that 68% of call center agents reported experiencing eye strain or tiredness, 66% reported headaches, and 53% experienced blurring of vision. And in a broader context, 32.4% of adults report experiencing eye strain due to digital screen use, highlighting the prevalence of this issue in environments with high screen exposure.
Eye strain can easily become a serious issue for anyone who spends extended periods in front of a screen. Don’t risk your agents well-being – take these steps to prevent and manage this common problem.
1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
Constantly staring at a screen can cause your eyes to become ‘locked’ into focusing at a specific distance. The 20-20-20 rule is a simple yet effective way to reduce eye strain. Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This practice helps to relax the focusing muscles in your eyes and reduce fatigue.
2. Adjust Screen Brightness and Contrast
Proper screen settings can significantly affect eye strain levels. Ensure your screen brightness matches the ambient light of your workspace and adjust contrast settings to a comfortable level. Try using a neutral color background instead of bright white and dim overhead lights slightly to reduce glare on the screen.
3. Maintain an Ergonomic Workspace
The placement of your computer monitor should allow for a natural line of sight. Position the screen about 20 to 24 inches (50-60 cm) from your eyes and ensure the top of the screen is at or just below eye level. This setup encourages a downward gaze angle, reducing strain on the eye muscles.
Other ergonomic considerations are to use an adjustable chair to maintain a proper posture and keeping frequently used items within easy reach to avoid excessive head and neck movement.
4. Blink More Often
When concentrating on a screen, people tend to blink less frequently, which can lead to dry eyes and irritation. Blinking naturally moisturizes the eyes, clearing debris and replenishing the tear film, which prevents dryness. Make a conscious effort to blink more often to keep your eyes moist and refreshed.
5. Invest in Anti-glare Coatings and Computer Glasses
Anti-glare screen filters can minimize the amount of reflective light that reaches your eyes. Additionally, specialized computer glasses can reduce exposure to blue light and improve visual comfort. These tools can enhance viewing comfort and reduce the risk of digital eye strain, especially during prolonged computer use.
6. Schedule Regular Eye Exams
Regular eye examinations are vital to ensuring optimal eye health. During an eye exam, the optometrist can recommend specific lenses or exercises tailored to your needs, ensuring you have the best possible protection against eye strain. Early detection of potential issues allows for timely intervention and management, keeping your vision clear and healthy.
By implementing these strategies, contact center agents can significantly reduce the risk of eye strain, ensuring a more comfortable and productive workday. Protecting eye health is not just about individual comfort—it’s integral to maintaining high levels of efficiency and customer satisfaction in a contact center environment.
Encourage your team to adopt these practices and consider providing ergonomic assessments to improve overall workplace health. Investing in eye health ultimately leads to better employee well-being and enhanced service delivery.
