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The ROI of Supporting Staff with DSE Assessments
Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessments are often mischaracterised as tick-box compliance exercises.
In practice, they are one of the most effective interventions for improving employee health, reducing organisational risk, and unlocking measurable financial returns. Companies that implement both proactive company-wide assessments and bespoke curative DSE solutions see quantifiable savings in productivity, retention, and reduced absenteeism.
Compliance and Risk Reduction
Legislation requires employers to safeguard staff who use display screen equipment. Non-compliance risks fines, legal action, and reputational harm. Conducting structured DSE assessments across the workforce eliminates exposure to these costs. Curative interventions, addressing specific cases of discomfort or injury, prevent escalation into long-term absence or legal claims. ROI is realised immediately by avoiding avoidable penalties and claims.
Absence and Productivity
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), eye strain, and repetitive strain injuries are leading causes of lost working days. Preventative DSE assessments reduce these risks before they translate into absence. Bespoke curative interventions shorten recovery times and restore productivity faster than generic adjustments. The ROI is expressed in fewer lost hours, lower sickness absence rates, and sustained output from skilled staff.
Staff Retention and Engagement
Poor workstation setup is a hidden driver of dissatisfaction and disengagement. Employees experiencing unmanaged discomfort are more likely to disengage or leave roles altogether. Systematic DSE support signals organisational commitment to staff wellbeing, boosting morale and retention. The financial return lies in reducing turnover costs, often exceeding 100% of salary for skilled roles, and maintaining continuity within teams.
Scalability and Efficiency
Company-wide assessments identify systemic issues affecting multiple staff, enabling cost-efficient bulk interventions. This approach ensures uniform compliance while optimising investment in equipment and adjustments. Bespoke curative DSE assessments then target outlier cases with precision. This dual strategy maximises ROI by combining broad preventative coverage with efficient use of resources for individuals with higher needs.
Innovation and Performance Culture
Proactive investment in DSE is not limited to compliance or risk management. It builds a culture of performance, signalling that the organisation views employee comfort as integral to productivity. This increases discretionary effort, improves focus, and strengthens employer brand positioning. The ROI extends beyond cost savings to competitive advantage in talent acquisition and contract opportunities where demonstrable wellbeing standards are a differentiator.
The financial case for DSE assessments is clear:
Reduced legal and compliance risks
Fewer absence days linked to MSDs and screen-related conditions
Lower staff turnover and associated recruitment costs
Efficiency through systemic prevention and targeted curative support
Enhanced performance culture and employer brand
DSE assessments are not sunk costs. They are a structural investment delivering measurable ROI across compliance, productivity, and workforce sustainability.
Chris Barlow: Business Development Associate
With 20 years of experience at Remtek, including 8 successful years leading the DSA Ergonomics team, Chris Barlow now focuses on supporting Access to Work and commercial projects.
Chris specialises in DSE/ergonomics assessments, assistive technology products, and training, creating optimised workplace solutions that enhance comfort, productivity, and well-being.
He works closely with employees and businesses to ensure accessibility for neurodiverse and disabled colleagues. His comprehensive reports and tailored recommendations have helped countless students and employees, reducing discomfort and improving performance.
Want to connect and stay updated? Follow Chris on LinkedIn: Chris Barlow on LinkedIn.
