Choose home-workstation equipment to address a specific issue identified through a display screen equipment (DSE) assessment, rather than buying a standard bundle. For prolonged laptop work, the UK Health and Safety Executive (HSE) describes raising the screen while using a separate keyboard and mouse; add a monitor or dock only when the setup calls for one and the work laptop supports the intended connections. Screen placement, glare and breaks also need attention, but do not automatically call for a purchase.
If you use a laptop for prolonged work at home, consider whether its screen and built-in input devices can be positioned appropriately together. HSE describes using a raised laptop screen with a separate keyboard and mouse.
A suitable office desk does not establish that the home workstation is suitable too. HSE guidance calls for relevant home and office arrangements to be considered in the DSE assessment; that need not mean buying duplicate equipment.
If a monitor, dock or adapter would simplify your desk setup, check the exact work-laptop model and intended connections first. Dell Technologies notes that not every USB-C port supports video output, while Microsoft’s Surface guidance makes external-display support model-dependent.
Start with the workstation issue, then check whether changing the setup or work routine addresses it before selecting hardware.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input position | Check screen height and available desk space. If raising a laptop screen for prolonged work, plan where a separate keyboard and mouse will sit; HSE describes these as part of that setup. | I need to see the screen without leaving the keyboard or mouse awkwardly placed. A stand alone may not address both positions. |
| Assessment and employer support | Review the whole workstation, including equipment and work conditions, as HSE advises. Confirm the employer’s assessment, equipment and IT-support arrangements before purchasing for work. | I want to know which change is needed at my home desk, rather than buying an accessory before the underlying issue is clear. |
| Laptop compatibility | Check the laptop’s video-capable port, monitor input, cable or adapter, charging requirements and intended number of displays. Dell Technologies cautions that a USB-C port does not necessarily provide video output; Microsoft says supported display configurations depend on the device model. | A dock or monitor must work with my actual work laptop and the screens I intend to connect, not merely have a matching-looking socket. |
| Glare and work routine | Check lighting and screen placement as well as opportunities to change activity. HSE advises short, frequent breaks or changes of activity rather than relying on an accessory to resolve work-routine issues. | Before adding another screen or accessory, I want to see whether rearranging the desk or changing how screen work is scheduled addresses the problem. |
A higher screen can leave the built-in keyboard and trackpad poorly placed for prolonged use. HSE describes an elevated laptop screen together with a separate keyboard and mouse.
Check desk width and depth, then plan the stand and input devices as one arrangement.
Dell Technologies notes that not every USB-C port supports video output. Microsoft’s device guidance also shows why display support must be checked against the particular laptop and configuration.
Identify the exact laptop model and port capability, then check the dock, cables, charging requirements and intended screens against its documentation.
HSE’s DSE assessment guidance covers the whole workstation and work conditions. A new monitor will not, by itself, arrange breaks or address glare from poor screen placement.
Identify the issue first, adjust the setup and work routine where appropriate, and select equipment only when it addresses the remaining need.
An otherwise suitable display or wireless device may not fit the employer-managed laptop or its IT arrangements. Acas advises employers to review how home-working equipment and technology are working.
Use the employer’s DSE and IT-support processes to confirm the required equipment, permitted connections and purchasing arrangements.
Dell is a reference when comparing docking connections and business-oriented display setups; the exact laptop and dock still determine what will work together.
HP provides docking options for workers connecting a compatible laptop to desk peripherals and external displays.
Logitech’s Ergo range includes keyboards, vertical mice and trackballs for workers considering a different input-device arrangement.
These options cover separate screens, input devices and a USB-C adapter. Match any purchase to the workstation change needed, and check its connections and your employer’s arrangements first.
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Consider a separate display if the workstation assessment identifies a screen-positioning need. Check that the work laptop has a suitable video connection and that the monitor can be placed appropriately on your desk.
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A separate keyboard and mouse belong in a prolonged-work setup where the laptop screen is raised, as HSE describes. Check the keyboard layout, desk space and permitted connection methods for the work laptop.
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For a workstation that calls for a separate, larger screen, allow room for the stated 31.5-inch display. Confirm the resolution and connection you need with the work laptop, and check whether the supplied stand provides the positioning adjustments your desk requires.
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This adapter lists 4K HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, 100W Power Delivery and dual USB 3.0 ports for a desk with several connection needs. Confirm the exact laptop’s video and charging support, and check the adapter’s display limits for the intended screen arrangement.
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Consider a different mouse shape if an assessment identifies an input-device need and the shape fits your hand. The product name specifies Bluetooth and 2.4GHz modes, six buttons and an adjustable sensor up to 1600 DPI; check which connection methods your work laptop permits.
Not necessarily. HSE says DSE regulations can apply to permanent or long-term home workers; occasional, short periods of laptop use should not be treated as automatically creating the same workstation-equipment requirement. Ask your employer how its DSE assessment process applies to your working pattern.
Yes, where both arrangements are relevant to the worker’s DSE use. HSE guidance calls for the home and office situations to be considered rather than assuming that a suitable setup in one location makes the other suitable.
No, not for the prolonged laptop arrangement described by HSE. Its guidance pairs an elevated laptop screen with a separate keyboard and mouse, so check that all three fit on the desk before choosing a riser.
No. Dell Technologies notes that not every USB-C port supports video output. Check the exact laptop model, dock connection requirements, charging capability, intended displays and cables, then confirm any employer IT restrictions.
No fixed break length or frequency applies to every DSE task in HSE’s guidance; it depends on the work. HSE advises short, frequent breaks or changes of activity rather than longer, less frequent breaks, so plan the work routine as well as the physical desk setup.