Choose the least complex arrangement that supports the comfortable, sustainable posture and work pattern identified in your individual DSE assessment. A laptop-only setup can be suitable where the assessment supports it; for prolonged laptop work, separate keyboard and mouse allow the screen to be raised, while an external monitor or dock is worth considering only when your tasks, space and laptop compatibility call for it.
Workers who use a laptop or other display equipment daily for continuous periods of an hour or more, including people who move between home and office. The Health and Safety Executive says both work locations should be considered where DSE is used in each.
People whose assessment identifies difficulties with screen height, keyboard position, mouse position, glare or desk layout. A raised laptop with separate inputs can be relevant, but it is not an automatic purchase.
Workers who regularly connect displays, wired networking or several peripherals and need to confirm their laptop’s USB-C, Thunderbolt, charging and display-output capabilities before choosing a dock.
Start with the assessed workstation issue, then check whether the equipment can be positioned properly and will work with the exact laptop, desk and work pattern involved.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input placement | Check that the display can sit directly in front of you at a suitable height and distance. If the laptop is raised, plan for a separate keyboard and mouse. Check reflections and available desk depth. | I need a screen and inputs that can be positioned for a comfortable, sustainable posture in my actual work area. |
| Laptop-only suitability | Consider task duration, the work surface and the position of the built-in screen and inputs together. Do not treat portability as proof that a setup is suitable for sustained daily work. | I need to know whether my laptop arrangement remains suitable for the hours and tasks I actually do at home. |
| Dock and monitor compatibility | Compare the laptop and dock or monitor documentation for video output, simultaneous-display limits, supported resolution, charging requirement and operating-system compatibility. Check the cable as well as the connector. | I need my laptop to deliver the required display, data and charging functions rather than simply fitting a USB-C plug. |
| Hybrid-work coverage | Assess home and office positions separately where both are used. Review the arrangement after a workstation or work-pattern change, or if discomfort is reported. | I need a setup that supports my regular work pattern without assuming that one accessory solves two different workstations. |
An expensive monitor, dock or peripheral may not address the real issue when the limiting factor is lighting, desk layout, furniture, work routine or another workstation location.
Start with the individual DSE assessment findings and choose equipment that addresses the identified issue and can be positioned correctly at home.
A physical connection can still fall short on video output, charging or multi-display support because these functions depend on the laptop, cable, dock, operating system and port implementation.
Compare the exact laptop and dock or monitor documentation for display outputs, simultaneous-display limits, supported resolutions, power delivery and operating-system compatibility.
Elevating the screen can make the built-in keyboard and trackpad difficult to use at a suitable height and reach.
For prolonged work with a raised laptop, plan for a separate keyboard and mouse as part of the same arrangement. The Health and Safety Executive gives this as the way to adjust screen and input positions independently.
Desk space, chair adjustment, lighting, screen arrangement and working pattern can differ between home and office.
Where DSE is used routinely in both places, ensure the assessment covers each location and review the arrangement after meaningful changes or reported discomfort.
Relevant for workers comparing business-oriented external monitors, USB-C hub monitors and docks in the UK.
Relevant for business monitors and USB-C docking monitors that combine display, power and peripheral connectivity.
Relevant for separate keyboard, mouse and trackball options where a raised laptop screen requires independent inputs.
Joybuy monitor options for an assessed external-screen arrangement. Confirm laptop compatibility, desk space, screen position and glare before choosing any model.
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For an assessed workstation that needs an independently positionable external display and a compatible MacBook connection.
31.5-inch 4K IPS display with height, pivot, swivel and tilt adjustment. USB-C is stated to carry 4K video, data and up to 90W power delivery. Check the exact laptop, cable, desk depth and reflections before purchase.
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For a fixed home workstation where the assessment supports a larger separate screen with height adjustment.
31.5-inch 4K IPS monitor with a height-adjustable stand and USB-C. USB-C is described as carrying video, data and power for a compatible laptop; confirm the laptop’s port capability and required charging level.
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For hybrid or space-variable work areas that need an assessed external-screen arrangement with flexible placement options.
23.8-inch IPS anti-glare display with USB-C, HDMI, a kickstand, C-clamp arm and partition-hook options. USB-C power delivery is stated at 60W; check DisplayPort Alt Mode, laptop charging needs and safe mounting on the actual desk.
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For a fixed setup where the assessment supports a large adjustable display and the laptop needs documented connection options.
31.5-inch 4K curved display with 120 mm height adjustment, tilt, swivel, Type-C 65W, USB hub, HDMI 2.1 and DisplayPort. Confirm the laptop, cable, screen position, viewing distance and glare control.
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For an assessed compact workstation that needs a separate, adjustable screen and conventional display connections.
24-inch Full HD IPS monitor with 100Hz refresh rate, height, tilt and swivel adjustment, plus HDMI, DisplayPort and VGA. USB-C is listed, but confirm its exact video-input and charging functions before purchase.
They can apply to workers who work at home on a permanent or long-term basis, or routinely divide time between workplace and home. The Health and Safety Executive says workers using DSE daily as part of normal work for continuous periods of an hour or more are covered for this purpose; occasional or short periods of home DSE use are outside this home-working guidance.
Where an individual DSE assessment indicates action is needed, including providing DSE equipment, the Health and Safety Executive says the worker cannot be charged. The assessment does not automatically require office-type equipment at home; it determines what is needed for that worker and workstation.
They are useful when a laptop screen needs to be raised for prolonged work, because they allow the screen and typing position to be adjusted independently. The Health and Safety Executive advises separate keyboard and mouse with an elevated laptop screen; this does not mean every worker also needs an external monitor.
Check the exact laptop’s video output, USB-C or Thunderbolt capability, charging requirement, operating-system support and the number and resolution of displays needed. A USB-C connector alone does not guarantee every function; Dell notes that some display features depend on the computer platform and that daisy-chaining displays requires Thunderbolt.
Review it when a new workstation is set up, a new user starts, the workstation or its use changes, or a user reports pain or discomfort. The Health and Safety Executive also advises keeping home-working arrangements under review when significant changes occur.