09.10.2025

Free vision and hearing self-screening tools launched to support HR in promoting workplace inclusion

Two self-screening tools designed to support HR professionals in promoting health, inclusion, and productivity have been launched by Visualise Training and Consultancy, which specialises in workplace inclusion for employees with sensory loss.

The tools – one for vision and one for hearing – are available at no cost via the company’s website and provide staff with a quick and confidential way to assess whether changes in their vision or hearing may be affecting them at work.

Why HR Needs to Pay Attention

Sensory health often goes unnoticed in the workplace, yet its impact on performance and wellbeing is profound.

According to the RNIB, over two million people in the UK live with sight loss, and around 250 people begin to lose their sight every day.
Action on Hearing Loss reports that 12 million people in the UK have hearing loss – including 40% of over-50s and 70% of over-70s – with many of them still active in the workforce.
Both conditions are often underdiagnosed, as gradual changes may be dismissed as normal ageing or overlooked by employees reluctant to raise concerns.

For HR professionals, this presents a hidden challenge to productivity and inclusion. Staff may quietly struggle with reading documents, following meetings, or engaging in training. The result can be avoidable stress, fatigue, underperformance, or even disengagement.Yet these issues are frequently easy to address with simple workplace adjustments or assistive technology – provided they are identified early.

How the Tools Work

The Vision Self-Screening Tool and Hearing Self-Screening Tool each present a short series of reflective questions, such as:

Do you struggle to read documents without increasing text size?
Do you often ask colleagues to repeat themselves?
Do you avoid tasks because they are visually or aurally demanding?
Do you experience headaches or fatigue after meetings?

Based on the answers, employees receive guidance on whether:

No immediate action is required, but regular checks are advisable.
An NHS eye or hearing test should be arranged soon.
A workplace assessment may be beneficial to explore adjustments.

The tools are deliberately simple, avoiding medical jargon. They are not diagnostic, but rather a wellbeing and awareness resource – a first step in encouraging individuals to seek professional support where needed.

Benefits for HR and Employers

For HR leaders, these resources provide a quick win in supporting both legal compliance and effective people management practices.

Equality Act 2010 compliance
Employers have a duty to make reasonable adjustments for employees with disabilities. The tools help to highlight potential issues earlier, reducing the risk of formal complaints or grievances.
Boosting productivity – Early intervention prevents presenteeism caused by undiagnosed hearing or vision loss.
Wellbeing and retention.
Supporting sensory health demonstrates a tangible commitment to employee wellbeing, strengthening trust and engagement.
Reducing stigma.
By offering the tool to all staff, HR can normalise conversations around sensory health and reduce fears about disclosure.

Expert Insight

Daniel Morgan-Williams, Founding Director of Visualise Training and Consultancy (pictured above), created the tools after witnessing how often employees struggle in silence: “Many people put up with gradual changes in their sight or hearing without realising the impact at work. Others worry that raising it with their manager might harm their career. Our self-screening tools give employees a private, stigma-free way to reflect on their needs – and give HR professionals a resource to promote as part of their wellbeing strategy.”

He added:“With over 14 million people in the UK affected by sensory loss, every HR team is likely managing this issue already – whether they know it or not. Small steps, like encouraging staff to use these tools, can make a huge difference.”

Integrating Into HR Practice

HR teams can use the tools in several ways:

Wellbeing campaigns.
Share the links during Health & Wellbeing Week, World Hearing Day, or World Sight Day.
Onboarding packs.
Include in induction resources to demonstrate commitment to accessibility from day one.
Occupational health referrals
Use as an informal step before arranging a professional assessment.
Manager training
Help line managers understand when to recommend the tool if they notice signs of strain.

By positioning the tools as a supportive resource for all staff – not just those with declared conditions – HR can foster an inclusive culture where employees feel empowered to seek support.

Taking Action

Both the Vision Self-Screening Tool and the Hearing Self-Screening Tool are free to use and can be accessed via the Visualise Training and Consultancy website:

Vision Self-Screening Tool: https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/resources/vision-self-screening-tool

Hearing Self-Screening Tool: https://visualisetrainingandconsultancy.com/resources/hearing-self-screening-tool

HR leaders are encouraged to circulate the links internally, embed them into wellbeing strategies, and use them as a starting point for conversations around accessibility.

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