I’ve used a custom ~/.screenrc file for at least a year now. I find that this snippet helps improve the usability for me.

#Custom Stuff
caption always "%{= wb}$USER @ %H >> %-Lw%{= r}%50>%n* %t%{-}%+Lw%< %-=<< (%c.%s)"

activity "%c activity -> %n%f %t"
bell "%c bell -> %n%f %t^G"
vbell_msg " *beep* "

startup_message off

defscrollback 500

multiuser off
# Always start screen with utf8 enabled. (screen -U)
defutf8 on

Output (caption at bottom):