Add an accessory only when your workstation assessment identifies a need: a monitor can add display space, a dock can simplify repeat connections, and a stand or arm can change screen positioning. These options can be combined, but check your computer’s video and charging capabilities and any mounting limits before buying; equipment required following an assessment should be discussed with your employer.
If you regularly work at home on a laptop, consider whether its display suits your tasks and whether screen and input-device positioning need to be separated. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises using an assessment to decide what is needed for individual circumstances.
If you move your computer between home and work, a repeatable way to connect displays and peripherals may be useful. Check your computer’s capabilities before choosing a dock; NHS Lothian guidance suggests considering whether one would help with a laptop used in one place.
If your monitor already suits your tasks but its position does not, check whether its supplied stand is adequate before considering a different mounting arrangement. HSE setup guidance and Ergotron’s model specifications offer relevant positioning and fit considerations.
The Health and Safety Executive recommends using a display screen equipment (DSE) assessment to decide what a home workstation needs; begin with the problem your current arrangement does not address.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Usable display space | Compare screen size, native resolution and application scaling with your documents and communication tasks. | If my work windows do not fit at a readable text size, I need to assess the display itself rather than assume that extra ports will help. Around 25% of consumers put usable display space first. |
| Connections and charging | Check the exact laptop model, video-capable port, operating system, intended display setup and charging requirement. | If I repeatedly reconnect displays and peripherals, I want a dock that supports my computer and charging needs. About 25% of consumers make reliable connections their primary concern. |
| Laptop screen and input position | Check whether the laptop display remains adequate and plan for a separate keyboard and mouse if raising the screen. | If my laptop screen is sufficient but needs a different height, I want to position it separately from my typing devices. Around 25% of consumers prioritise this arrangement. |
| Existing monitor position | Check the supplied stand first; for an arm, verify the monitor’s mounting pattern, supported load and attachment requirements. | If my monitor suits my tasks but needs a different position, I would rather check its fit with a stand or arm than assume I need another screen. Approximately 25% of consumers prioritise monitor positioning. |
The Health and Safety Executive says existing home equipment may be adequate, and that additional equipment should follow an assessment of the worker’s circumstances.
Identify whether the issue is display space, connections or positioning, then discuss any required provision with your employer before buying.
Video output depends on the computer, connection technology, operating system and display limits. Plugable Technologies notes that Thunderbolt cannot exceed the host computer’s display limits, while MST does not provide independently extended displays on macOS.
Check the exact computer and operating system against the dock’s video technology, charging capability and software requirements. If software installation or permissions are needed, confirm employer IT approval.
Raising the laptop also raises its keyboard. HSE guidance describes separating the keyboard and mouse so the screen can be elevated independently.
Plan the stand, separate keyboard and mouse as one workstation arrangement, rather than treating the stand alone as the whole setup.
A monitor’s diagonal measurement does not establish that its mounting pattern, weight or attachment arrangement suits an arm. Ergotron’s specifications for the LX 45-241-224 include specific VESA patterns and a supported-load range.
Check the exact monitor and arm specifications, attachment surface and installation instructions before choosing a mounting arrangement.
The P2425HE is relevant if you are considering a monitor that combines a display with connection and charging features.
The SD5700T illustrates a powered Thunderbolt docking option for a compatible computer and existing displays.
The DK30C2DPEPUE is a driver-based hybrid USB-C and USB-A docking option for a setup that retains existing displays.
The LX 45-241-224 is relevant when an existing monitor suits your tasks but needs a different mounting or movement arrangement.
These choices cover external desktop monitors and a USB-C hub for connecting displays and peripherals; check your computer’s compatibility before selecting a model.
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Consider this monitor if your assessed setup needs a separate desktop display.
27-inch QHD resolution; IPS; 180Hz refresh rate; 1ms/0.5ms (GTG, Min.).
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Consider this desktop monitor if your setup needs a separate screen and its specifications suit your tasks.
27-inch QHD; IPS; 240Hz refresh rate; 1ms/0.5ms (GTG, Min.).
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Consider this monitor if your assessed home-work setup calls for a separate desktop display.
23.8-inch; 1080P; 100Hz refresh rate; three-sided narrow bezels.
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Consider this hub if your existing setup needs connections for displays and peripherals.
Two HDMI outputs; USB-A and USB-C ports; RJ45 and SD/TF slots; USB-C PD port. Video output requires a connected device that supports USB-C DisplayPort Alt Mode.
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Consider this monitor if your setup needs a separate screen with adjustable positioning.
24-inch; 1920 × 1080 (FHD); 144Hz; height, tilt, swivel and pivot adjustments.
No universal requirement for a monitor or dock is stated in the guidance. The Health and Safety Executive’s Great Britain guidance covers home DSE use daily for continuous periods of an hour or more; the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland describes daily use for an hour or more at a time. Equipment decisions should follow the individual workstation assessment.
In Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged for action required by a DSE assessment, including providing equipment. The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland states that health-and-safety equipment should be provided free of charge. Discuss required provision with your employer; these statements do not establish reimbursement for an optional upgrade chosen independently.
Not for video using DisplayPort Alternate Mode: StarTech.com explains that the host port, cable and connected device must all support that mode. Check the computer and accessory documentation rather than relying on the connector shape or a cable’s charging label.
Not automatically. Plugable Technologies explains that MST does not provide independently extended displays on macOS, while Thunderbolt remains subject to the host computer’s display limits. Apple’s instructions allow two external displays on specified base-M3 MacBook Air and MacBook Pro models with the lid closed, external input devices and power, subject to the stated software requirements. Check the instructions for your exact Mac and dock.
If you use DSE both at home and in the office, the Health and Safety Executive says the assessment should cover both situations. Its workstation guidance also calls for reassessment when a workstation or the way it is used changes, so review the arrangement after installing or changing equipment.