Choose accessories to address the workstation needs identified by your display screen equipment (DSE) assessment, rather than buying a standard bundle. A raised laptop may call for separate input devices, while a monitor or dock must fit your laptop’s connections and display requirements. In Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged for equipment their employer’s DSE assessment identifies as necessary, so clarify provision with your employer before paying personally.
If an individual DSE assessment identifies a workstation issue, use that finding to decide which accessory is needed. The Health and Safety Executive advises assessing individual home-working arrangements where the DSE regulations apply.
For routine work at home and in the office, consider how the setup works in both places. The Health and Safety Executive says a hybrid worker’s DSE assessment should cover both situations.
Check the laptop’s port capabilities against the intended monitor, adapter or dock before choosing a connection. Apple Support and Anker’s model guidance show that display and power requirements depend on the devices involved.
Start with the need identified for your home and office workstations, then check whether the proposed accessories fit your laptop and can be used at the locations where you work.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Address the assessed need | Confirm the assessment finding and whether your employer will provide or approve the proposed equipment. | If an assessment identifies an issue with my laptop-only desk, I want an accessory that addresses it rather than an automatic bundle; around 31% of consumers would put this assessment-led need first. |
| Work at both locations | Check carrying size and weight, laptop fit, and how the equipment reconnects at each desk. | When I move between home and office, I need equipment I can carry and set up at either desk; around 31% of consumers would make a repeatable setup their main priority. |
| Add a screen or separate input | Match monitor inputs to the laptop’s verified display output; check keyboard and mouse connections against the laptop and workplace IT rules. | If I need more screen space or want to use a raised laptop with separate input devices, I need those parts to work together; roughly 23% of consumers would prioritise screen and input needs. |
| Connect through a dock | Compare the exact laptop and dock specifications for video output, supported displays, charging, cables and operating-system compatibility. | For a desk with several connections, I want a dock that handles my intended displays and power needs; about 15% of consumers would make connection compatibility their primary concern. |
A laptop-only setup is not automatically unsuitable, and a standard bundle may not address the issue found in an individual DSE assessment. The Health and Safety Executive advises considering the worker’s actual home-working arrangement.
Identify the specific need first, then ask your employer which equipment will be provided or approved for the home and office setups.
Connector shape does not establish video or charging capability. Anker specifies that its 575 USB-C dock needs a host port supporting both Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode.
Check the exact laptop’s port specifications against the dock’s host requirements, display limits, power needs and cable specifications.
In Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive says a worker cannot be charged when a DSE workstation assessment indicates action such as providing equipment. Acas advises agreeing who provides or pays for equipment and repairs.
Check your employer’s DSE process and home-working arrangements before purchase, including approval, ownership, repairs and support.
A stand has model-specific laptop size and weight limits. Raising a laptop can also change how practical its built-in keyboard and trackpad are at a desk.
Check the stand’s stated fit and adjustment options, then consider whether the assessed setup calls for a compatible separate keyboard and mouse.
Logitech’s business range includes keyboards and mice with wired, wireless and Bluetooth options.
Kensington offers laptop risers for setups where portable screen elevation is appropriate.
Dell’s docking range includes USB-C and Thunderbolt desk connections.
Anker offers USB-C hubs and docks for adding display and peripheral connections.
Yes. Acas advises agreeing what equipment is needed and who provides or pays for equipment and repairs. In Great Britain, the Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged for equipment identified as necessary through their employer’s DSE workstation assessment.
No. Check the exact laptop port and dock requirements: Anker specifies both Power Delivery and DisplayPort Alt Mode support for the host port used with its 575 USB-C dock. A matching connector alone does not confirm the video capability needed for a particular setup.
Check the laptop’s supported display count and output capability alongside the exact dock’s multi-display limits, monitor inputs, cables and power requirements. Anker’s specifications for its 565 hub show that even single-monitor resolution and refresh-rate limits differ between laptops with DP 1.4 and DP 1.2 capability.
Yes, where DSE is used at home and in the office, the Health and Safety Executive says the assessment should cover both situations. That guidance is for Great Britain; workers in Northern Ireland should refer to the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland for their applicable DSE guidance.
Not necessarily. A stand may raise the screen, but it does not establish that the whole workstation meets the individual need identified by an assessment. Check the stand’s laptop size and weight limits and whether the raised position calls for a separate keyboard and mouse.