A hybrid worker in Great Britain should not assume that a standard bundle of home-workstation equipment is needed: an individual display screen equipment (DSE) assessment should identify what needs changing. For prolonged laptop work, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance calls for a separate keyboard and mouse when the screen is raised; a monitor or dock should address an identified need and fit the laptop and workspace. In Great Britain, HSE says workers cannot be charged for equipment that a DSE assessment identifies as needed.
In Great Britain, HSE says DSE rules can apply to permanent, long-term and routine hybrid home working; the assessment considers the individual workstation rather than prescribing the same equipment for everyone.
Employees using DSE daily for continuous periods of an hour or more should establish whether their home workstation needs changes. HSE says the assessment covers equipment, conditions, tasks and individual requirements.
For someone who regularly works both at home and at a workplace, HSE says the assessment should cover both arrangements. A workable office desk does not, by itself, settle what is needed at home.
Screen position and separate input devices matter when deciding whether to raise a laptop or use another display. Check the available desk space and, before adding connection equipment, the laptop's capabilities.
Start with the assessed workstation problem, then check whether the proposed equipment can be positioned and connected as intended.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment outcome | Review the screen, input devices, desk arrangement, work conditions and tasks together. For covered Great Britain home workers, HSE says the individual DSE assessment should determine whether additional equipment is needed. | I want to address the problem with my workstation, rather than order a standard bundle that may leave it unresolved. |
| Screen placement | Check viewing position, available display space and whether the desk can accommodate a raised laptop or separate monitor. HSE advises positioning the screen at about an arm's length, with its top at eye level. | If the laptop screen cannot be placed suitably during sustained work, I need to consider which screen arrangement fits my desk. |
| Keyboard and mouse | For prolonged laptop use, HSE advises a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can be elevated. Check their placement and the space needed to use them. | Raising my laptop should not leave me reaching up to its built-in keyboard or trackpad. |
| Connections | Match the laptop's video output, display inputs and any charging requirement to the exact monitor or dock. Kensington notes that USB-C connector shape alone does not establish video or power-delivery capability. | I need the planned display and peripherals to work with my laptop; a dock is worth considering only if it serves that arrangement. |
A monitor or accessory may leave the actual issue untouched if it concerns desk space, lighting, tasks or another part of the arrangement.
Use the individual DSE assessment to identify the issue before choosing equipment. HSE's workstation guidance considers more than the display alone.
Moving the screen also moves the attached keyboard and trackpad, so their position needs separate attention.
For prolonged laptop use, follow HSE guidance to plan space for a separate keyboard and mouse when elevating the screen.
Kensington notes that USB-C video and power-delivery functions depend on the devices involved; the connector alone does not confirm the planned setup will work.
Check the exact laptop port, dock, display inputs, required resolution and charging specification before choosing connection equipment.
For covered workers in Great Britain, HSE says an employee cannot be charged for equipment that the DSE assessment identifies as needed.
Keep the assessment outcome and agree with the employer how the identified equipment will be provided and supported before making a personal purchase.
These ranges illustrate equipment categories to check against an assessed need; a brand name does not establish that a particular model suits a workstation.
Dell has monitor and docking-station ranges relevant to separate-display and connection arrangements.
Logitech offers separate keyboards and mice, including ergonomically oriented ranges.
Kensington's docking-station range is relevant where external displays and peripherals need connecting to a laptop.
These options cover separate displays and keyboard-and-mouse sets for home workstation arrangements where an assessment identifies those needs. Screen placement, input-device fit and laptop compatibility still determine whether an individual item is suitable.
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Consider this separate display if the assessment identifies a screen-position or viewing-space need. The product name specifies a 31.5-inch IPS screen; check that its size and connections suit the desk and laptop before choosing it.
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This is another separate-display option where the assessed setup has room for a 32-inch curved screen. The product name specifies 2560×1440 resolution, HDMI and DisplayPort inputs, and VESA 100×100mm mounting; confirm laptop output and the intended screen position.
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Its portable format is an option if an additional screen is needed in a compact workstation. The product name specifies a 15.6-inch Full HD IPS display; confirm that the laptop supports the required USB Type-C display connection and that the screen can be positioned suitably.
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A separate keyboard and mouse may be needed when an assessed arrangement raises the laptop screen. Check the keyboard layout, connection requirements and whether both devices can be placed comfortably on the available desk.
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This set is an option where the assessment calls for separate input devices. The product name identifies a UK English version; check device connectivity and whether the keyboard and mouse fit the intended workstation arrangement.
No. HSE says the individual DSE assessment should determine whether additional equipment is needed. Existing equipment may suit one home workstation but be unsuitable for another.
Yes. For covered Great Britain workers, HSE says a worker can complete a self-assessment with suitable training, but a trained assessor should review the results, resolve doubtful points and ensure problems are addressed.
Yes. HSE says that, where a worker uses DSE both at home and in the office, the assessment should cover both situations rather than treating the office arrangement as a substitute for assessing the home workstation.
Choose according to the assessed screen-position or viewing-space need and the available desk layout. For prolonged laptop use, HSE advises a separate keyboard and mouse so the laptop screen can be raised; an external monitor offers another way to position a display, but neither removes the need to consider the whole workstation.
No. Kensington explains that USB-C describes the connector, while video and power-delivery capabilities depend on implementation. Check the exact laptop port and dock specifications against the intended display and charging requirements.