We often talk about tools, infrastructure and security. But there’s one thing that’s easy to overlook: day-to-day work habits and the wellbeing of the people behind the screens. At S3, that’s something we take to heart. Because an employee who works in good conditions means a more productive team, fewer absences and a workplace people actually want to stay in (and that’s probably why our very first employee is still with us 😉).
A problem we see in a lot of businesses
In many cases, companies invest in high-performance computers, expensive software and fast connections. That’s essential. But they often overlook the human side: is the employee properly set up? Do they know how to use their tools effectively? Does their work environment protect their health in the long run?
Digital eye strain, neck and shoulder pain, that afternoon concentration slump… these aren’t minor inconveniences. They’re signals that the workstation isn’t optimized. And that costs you in productivity, errors and eventually sick days.
The 20-20-20 rule: a simple micro-habit that makes a real difference
Developed by optometrists, the 20-20-20 rule is straightforward: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
It lets your eye muscles relax, reduces dryness and helps maintain focus throughout the day. And it costs nothing, except remembering to do it.
It’s the kind of small thing that can become part of a team’s culture and make a real difference over time. Pair it with a solid ergonomic setup and you’ve got a team that can go the distance.
Simple habits to start this week
No big HR initiative or extra budget needed. Here’s what we actually recommend:
- Set a reminder every 20 minutes: A phone alarm, a sticky note, a calendar reminder, an online tool or an app. The method doesn’t matter, consistency does.
- Look far away, not just somewhere else: Switching screens or checking your phone doesn’t count. The goal is to focus on a distant point to release the eye muscles: a window, the end of the hallway, or the parking lot outside.
- Use the break to move: Stand up, stretch your neck, roll your shoulders. Those 20 seconds can become a mini-routine that also reduces built-up muscle tension.
- Adjust your screen brightness: A screen that’s too bright in a dark room (or the opposite) forces your eyes to constantly compensate. It takes two minutes to adjust and it’s more impactful than most people think.
- Normalize breaks in your team’s culture: If managers never take breaks, employees won’t either. Building these habits starts with leading by example and having an open conversation about it.
Our approach at S3 Technologies isn’t just to set up computers and move on. We make sure the work environment as a whole is designed for your teams to perform well: the right hardware, the right tools and the right practices. That’s what a real IT partner looks like to us.
What we can do for your business
Beyond traditional IT support, here’s the kind of support we offer our clients:
Workstation optimization
The right hardware, proper screen positioning, ergonomic peripherals: we guide you in building a setup that actually makes sense for each user.
Finding the right tools
Not too many tools, not too few. As a Microsoft partner, we make sure you’re actually using what you’re paying for.
Guidance & best practices
We share concrete habits with your teams so they can work smarter, not harder. This includes using AI securely and automating repetitive tasks.
Is your work environment truly optimized?
A single conversation is often enough to spot what can be improved. Reach out to Marc and we’ll assess your situation and offer concrete ideas that will make a real difference in your employees’ day-to-day.
