Start with a workstation assessment rather than buying every accessory: the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says employers must assess workers who use display screen equipment (DSE) daily for continuous periods of an hour or more as part of their normal work, including eligible home workers. Add a monitor, laptop riser, external input devices or dock where the assessed setup and work tasks warrant them, checking laptop compatibility before buying connected equipment. If the assessment identifies additional DSE equipment as necessary, HSE says the worker cannot be charged for it.
People working at home permanently, long-term or in a hybrid arrangement who need to establish whether their screen use calls for a DSE assessment and what equipment it identifies. HSE sets out the assessment duties; Acas advises agreeing what equipment is needed and who will provide it.
People moving a laptop between home and the workplace who need to assess screen and input-device positions, then check how their peripherals reconnect. HSE addresses the workstation as a whole, while Kensington notes that USB-C capabilities depend on the laptop.
People whose work calls require a suitable webcam, headset or other peripheral alongside an assessed screen setup. Acas advises agreeing what technology is needed for the job; Logitech lists conferencing and input devices among its business products.
For sustained home screen work, establish the assessment outcome and provision arrangements before choosing accessories. Then consider the screen, input devices, connections and call equipment against the tasks you actually do.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment and provision | Check whether your daily DSE use meets the HSE assessment threshold, what the assessment identifies and how your employer arranges necessary equipment. | If I use a screen for sustained work at home, I want to establish my employer's assessment and equipment arrangements before placing an order; roughly 27% of consumers would put assessment and provision first. |
| Screen position and space | Check whether the existing screen position suits the task, whether a separate display is needed, and the available desk space and laptop video output. | If my laptop screen position is difficult to reconcile with the work I do, I need to decide whether a riser or separate display addresses it; around 27% of consumers would prioritise screen position and workspace. |
| Keyboard and mouse layout | Check the assessed typing and pointer-device arrangement, particularly if the laptop will be raised, plus connection and employer IT requirements. | When I raise my laptop screen, I still need a workable position for typing and using a pointer device; approximately 20% of consumers would make input layout their primary concern. |
| Connections and charging | Match the exact laptop and dock or hub for required display output, data connections and charging; a USB-C connector alone does not establish those capabilities. | If I reconnect work peripherals when moving between home and the workplace, I want a connection arrangement that meets my laptop's requirements; roughly 20% of consumers would put connectivity first. |
| Meeting equipment | Check the conferencing platform, approved connection method and whether the existing camera and audio devices meet the work requirement. | For regular remote calls, I need audio and video equipment that works with my employer's meeting tools; around 6% of consumers would prioritise meeting equipment. |
An accessory may not address the workstation issue identified by an assessment. HSE says a worker cannot be charged for additional DSE equipment that the assessment shows is needed.
Ask how to complete or update the assessment and whether equipment must be provided or approved through your employer before ordering it yourself.
Kensington notes that USB-C names the connector, not a guaranteed set of video, data-speed or power-delivery capabilities.
Compare the exact laptop and dock specifications for display support, charging requirements, operating-system support and the required cables.
Changing screen height also changes the position of the built-in keyboard and trackpad. HSE assesses screens, keyboards and pointer devices as distinct parts of the workstation.
Assess the final screen, typing and pointer-device layout together, including whether separate input devices are needed.
A webcam or headset can meet a communication requirement, but it does not resolve separate screen or input-device issues identified in a DSE assessment.
Choose conferencing devices for the job's meeting requirements and address workstation findings separately.
Relevant when considering an external monitor, including a USB-C model for a compatible laptop.
Relevant for separate keyboards, mice, webcams and headsets where the workstation or job calls for them.
Relevant for a hub or dock when a compatible laptop needs additional peripheral or display connections.
Relevant when considering a docking station or laptop-riser arrangement for a hybrid workspace.
Not solely because of occasional home use. HSE says its home-working DSE guidance applies to workers using screens daily for continuous periods of an hour or more, including eligible long-term and hybrid home workers; check your working pattern with your employer.
No accessory is automatically required. HSE says some home workers may not need office-type equipment for a comfortable, sustainable arrangement; the individual workstation assessment and work tasks should guide any change.
HSE says a worker cannot be charged for additional DSE equipment that the workstation assessment shows is needed. For ordering, ownership, repairs or other equipment, Acas advises employers and staff to agree the arrangements.
You may complete a self-assessment with suitable training, but it does not remove the employer's responsibility for the assessment. HSE says a trained assessor should review the results, clarify doubtful points and ensure problems are addressed.
Match the exact laptop and dock for the displays, data connections, charging, operating system and cables you need. Kensington notes that a USB-C connector alone does not guarantee video, speed or power-delivery support.