For prolonged laptop work, choose equipment that lets you position the screen separately from the keyboard and mouse: the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises using separate input devices with a raised laptop, or using a separate display. A stand, keyboard and mouse can travel between locations; a monitor, with a compatible dock if needed, suits a regular desk with more connections. In Great Britain, if an applicable display screen equipment (DSE) assessment identifies equipment the employer needs to provide, HSE says the worker cannot be charged for it.
The equipment worth considering changes with how often you move, how long you use the laptop and what stays connected at each desk.
If you routinely work at home and in an employer workplace, consider how you will position the screen and input devices at both locations. HSE says a DSE assessment should cover both situations where workers use DSE in each.
If the laptop is your normal screen for extended work, a riser with a separate keyboard and mouse, or a separate display, gives you a way to position the screen independently of the input devices, as HSE advises.
If you reconnect a display and peripherals at a regular desk, a dock or docking monitor may reduce repeated connections. Check the laptop’s port capabilities first: Lenovo Support notes that USB-C functionality varies by system.
Decide where the equipment will live, then check screen and input positioning before choosing a connection method. A dock is an addition to a suitable display-and-input arrangement, not a substitute for one.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input position | For prolonged laptop use, compare a riser with separate keyboard and mouse against a separate display. Check that the screen and input devices can be positioned independently, following HSE guidance. | I work at the laptop for long stretches and want to avoid choosing a stand that leaves its built-in keyboard raised with the screen. |
| Two work locations | Decide what can travel and what needs a permanent space. Where DSE rules apply, HSE says assessments should cover both home and office use. | A compact stand and separate input devices may suit my journeys; if I regularly work at a home desk, I may prefer to leave a monitor there. |
| Display and docking compatibility | Check the exact laptop port’s video, data and charging capabilities against the monitor or dock. Compare the required power, display mode, cable and any driver or firmware requirements; Lenovo Support cautions that USB-C functionality varies. | I want to reconnect a monitor and peripherals without assuming that a USB-C socket will support every dock feature. |
| Monitor or docking monitor | For a fixed desk, compare the display connection and available ports. If considering a docking monitor, check its stated power delivery against the laptop’s requirements; Lenovo lists 75 W USB-C power delivery for its L24m-4A, not for every model. | With one external display and basic peripherals, I would consider a docking monitor if its connections meet my needs. Otherwise, I can assess a separate monitor and dock. |
| Equipment provision | For Great Britain workers using DSE daily as part of normal work, continuously for an hour or more, ask whether an employer workstation assessment applies. Discuss provision and repairs before making a personal purchase; HSE says workers cannot be charged for equipment an applicable assessment identifies as necessary. | Before buying work equipment myself, I want to know what my workstation assessment identifies and what my employer will provide. |
Raising a laptop also raises its built-in keyboard and trackpad. For prolonged use, HSE advises pairing an elevated laptop screen with a separate keyboard and mouse, or using a separate display.
Check that a separate keyboard and mouse will fit and connect at the desks where you intend to use the riser.
USB-C functionality varies by laptop, according to Lenovo Support. A dock’s stated connections or maximum display capability do not establish what your particular laptop can use.
Compare the exact laptop port with the dock’s video, data and charging requirements, including the cable and any required drivers or firmware.
In Great Britain, HSE says employers must assess workstations for workers who use DSE daily as part of normal work, continuously for an hour or more. Workers cannot be charged where an applicable assessment identifies equipment the employer needs to provide.
Ask for or update the assessment when your workstation or work pattern changes, and agree how equipment and repairs will be provided. Acas advises employers and staff to discuss those arrangements.
A better-positioned screen does not remove the need to plan a workable DSE routine. HSE advises short, frequent breaks or changes of activity rather than relying on longer, less frequent breaks.
Consider movement and changes of activity alongside the equipment arrangement, rather than treating a new peripheral as the entire solution.
These brand references illustrate particular connection and input-device choices; check the exact model and your laptop or workstation requirements.
Lenovo offers USB-C docking monitors and docks for fixed laptop workspaces.
Dell’s WD25TB4 is a Thunderbolt 4 dock to consider for a compatible fixed-desk setup.
Logitech offers external input devices, including the Lift vertical mouse.
These options cover separate input devices, an external monitor and USB-C connection equipment for a laptop workspace. Choose the arrangement for each work location before checking an individual product’s compatibility.
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Consider this for a desk where you want to reconnect external displays through a dock. The title specifies dual HDMI 4K and 100W power-delivery pass-through; check the laptop’s display and charging capabilities, and confirm the required external adapter and package contents.
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This separate display is an option for a regular desk rather than a travelling kit. Its title specifies a 31.5-inch 4K UHD IPS screen and USB-C; check the laptop’s video connection and any charging requirement separately, and plan for independently positioned input devices.
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A separate keyboard and mouse can be positioned independently when a laptop screen is raised or a monitor is used. Check that the connection method works at each intended workstation and that both devices suit the individual setup.
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This is a connection option for a desk with displays and peripherals. Its title also lists two USB 3.0 ports, two USB 2.0 ports and audio; confirm the laptop’s supported display modes, charging requirements and any adapter needed before choosing it.
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Consider its stated HDMI, USB-A, USB-C and card-reader connections for a laptop desk setup. The title’s USB-C and Thunderbolt wording does not establish compatibility with a particular host; check the required port and display mode, and confirm charging capability if you need it.
Yes. HSE says the Great Britain DSE Regulations can apply to workers who routinely split time between home and the workplace and use DSE daily as part of normal work, continuously for an hour or more. Where they apply, the employer’s assessment should cover both work locations.
Choose the arrangement that lets you position the screen and input devices for the work location. For prolonged laptop use, HSE advises a separate keyboard and mouse with a raised laptop, or a separate display. A stand and input devices are easier to move between desks; a monitor needs a suitable fixed space and a compatible display connection.
No. Lenovo Support says USB-C port functionality varies. Check the exact laptop’s video, data and charging capabilities against the dock, along with its cable, power supply and any driver or firmware requirements.
Ask about the workstation assessment and equipment arrangements before treating a work-related purchase as your own expense. In Great Britain, HSE says a worker cannot be charged when an applicable DSE assessment identifies equipment the employer needs to provide; that does not mean every preferred upgrade must be provided. Acas advises employers and staff to agree who provides or pays for homeworking equipment and repairs.