Start with your work and an assessment of both workstations, then address the specific screen-position, input-device or connection issue rather than buying a full setup by default. A stand, monitor and dock solve different problems, and a hub or dock needs to match your laptop’s display and charging capabilities. In Great Britain, if a DSE assessment identifies equipment an employer needs to provide, the worker cannot be charged for it; check the separate guidance that applies in Northern Ireland.
If you work for extended periods on a laptop, consider how to position the screen and input devices at home and in the office. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says an assessment should cover both locations when you use display screen equipment in each.
If your work calls for an external screen and several connected devices, check your laptop’s video outputs, display limits and charging needs before choosing a monitor, hub or dock.
If you move between workstations, decide what you need to carry and what can stay connected at each location. A portable riser or hub serves a different purpose from a fixed monitor or desk dock.
Assess the screen and input positions first, then decide whether you need more display space, missing connections, a portable setup or call equipment. For employees, discuss the assessment outcome and equipment provision with the employer before paying personally.
| Concern | What to check when buying | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input position | Check screen adjustability or stand fit and stability, and whether you can position a keyboard and mouse separately. | If you raise a laptop screen for prolonged work, you may also need separately positioned inputs. Around 33% of consumers put screen and input position first. |
| Visible workspace | Check desk space, display position and resolution, and whether your laptop supports the intended video connection. | If your work calls for a separately positioned display or more visible workspace, those needs matter more than adding ports alone. Around 27% of consumers prioritise display space. |
| Laptop and dock compatibility | Check the exact laptop model, operating system, video support, display limits and the power delivered to the laptop. | If you want one connection for screens, peripherals or charging, the laptop and accessory need to support the arrangement you plan to use. Around 20% of consumers put connection compatibility first. |
| Moving between workstations | Check packed size, laptop fit, required cables and what equipment is already available at each desk. | If you regularly change workstations, carrying a workable setup may matter more than leaving a full set of equipment connected in one place. Around 13% of consumers prioritise portability. |
| Call equipment | Check whether your current camera and audio suit your work calls, as well as the computer connection and any workplace device requirements. | If your existing setup does not meet a specific camera, microphone, listening or privacy need, a separate call device may be relevant. Around 7% of consumers put call equipment first. |
Raising a laptop screen also raises its built-in keyboard. A stand alone may not address the intended screen and input arrangement for prolonged work.
Plan screen and input positions together after the workstation assessment.
A raised-screen setup may also require an external keyboard and mouse.
A USB-C connector does not by itself confirm video support, the number of displays available or sufficient charging for your laptop.
Before buying, match the exact laptop model and intended screens to the accessory’s compatibility and power information.
In Great Britain, HSE guidance says workers cannot be charged where an assessment indicates action such as providing DSE equipment is needed. That does not mean every preferred upgrade must be provided.
If you are an employee in Great Britain, establish the assessment outcome and provision arrangements first. For Northern Ireland, consult the applicable HSENI guidance rather than assuming the Great Britain wording applies.
These examples relate to specific product lines and models; a brand’s inclusion does not establish suitability for your laptop or workstation.
The P2725DE hub monitor and WD25 dock illustrate two ways to build a fixed workstation.
The SmartFit Easy Riser EQ is a portable laptop-screen positioning option.
The AVC009 hub and AVC005 video adapter illustrate compact port expansion.
The ThinkPad Universal USB-C Dock 40AY0090UK is a fixed-desk option to assess for a compatible laptop.
The Brio 100 illustrates an optional external camera for a specific call-related need.
These Joybuy options cover separate keyboard and mouse inputs, external displays, connection expansion and call equipment for hybrid work setups.
No image available
Consider this set if you need separate input devices with a raised laptop screen.
The product information describes a wired USB connection, a full-size UK English QWERTY keyboard with number pad, and an ambidextrous mouse.
No image available
Consider this external display if your assessed workstation needs a separately positioned screen and your laptop supports the intended connection.
The product information specifies a 27-inch 4K display, USB-C, HDMI and USB-A connections, and 90W USB-C Power Delivery. Its stand is described as height-, pivot-, swivel- and tilt-adjustable.
No image available
Consider this portable display if you need a separate screen that can be positioned at different work locations, subject to your laptop’s supported connections.
The product information specifies a 23.8-inch Full HD IPS display, USB-C with 60W Power Delivery and HDMI. Listed positioning options include a kickstand, C-clamp arm and partition hook kit.
No image available
Consider this dock if your workstation needs two external displays and connected peripherals, after checking your laptop’s display support.
The product information lists dual 4K HDMI outputs, up to 100W Power Delivery pass-through, USB ports, Ethernet and card readers. The described display connection uses USB-C Alt Mode, which the laptop must support.
No image available
Consider a separate webcam only if your existing camera does not meet a specific work-call need.
The product information lists autofocus, a 67-degree field of view, dual stereo microphones, a privacy slider, an adjustable clip and a tripod thread.
In Great Britain, the HSE says an assessment should cover both situations when you use display screen equipment in both places. Its DSE assessment guidance applies to workers who use it daily as part of normal work for continuous periods of an hour or more. In Northern Ireland, consult HSENI guidance for the applicable requirements.
For workers covered by the Great Britain HSE guidance, no: where a DSE assessment indicates action such as providing equipment is needed, workers cannot be charged for it. This does not mean every preferred upgrade must be provided. HSENI has separate guidance for Northern Ireland, so do not assume the specific Great Britain wording applies there.
For prolonged laptop use, HSE guidance describes using a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can be elevated, or using a separate display. Consider the full arrangement as part of the workstation assessment rather than treating the stand alone as the solution.
No: the connector alone does not establish that a laptop supports the intended displays or charging arrangement. Check the exact laptop’s video capability and display limits, then compare them with the dock’s display information and delivered power. Apple, for example, specifies that the 2024 M3 MacBook Air supports a second external display with its lid closed; that model-specific detail does not apply to every laptop.
Check the dock’s display method, your Mac’s supported display arrangement and whether any required software is permitted on your work computer. Synaptics identifies DisplayLink Manager as the application for enabling its DisplayLink docks, adapters or monitors on macOS.
No. HSE guidance applies to Great Britain, while HSENI publishes separate Northern Ireland DSE guidance. The equipment needed depends on the applicable requirements and the individual workstation assessment, not a universal shopping list.