Start with the workstation at each location and your employer’s display screen equipment (DSE) assessment, rather than buying a standard bundle. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) advises using a separate keyboard and mouse when raising a laptop screen for prolonged work; choose a separate monitor if the assessment identifies a need for one, and check laptop compatibility before choosing a dock. Where an applicable assessment identifies equipment that is needed, HSE says the worker must not be charged for it.
If you regularly use a laptop for sustained work in both places, assess the two workstations separately. HSE says a DSE assessment should cover both home and office where workers use display screens in each location.
Check whether the screen and input devices can be positioned appropriately for your workstation. HSE advises a separate keyboard and mouse when a laptop screen is raised on a riser or similar support.
If your desk needs external displays or multiple peripherals, check the exact laptop and dock requirements before choosing a one-connection setup. Display and connection support can differ by dock model.
Review what is already at each desk, then decide which screen, input and connection changes the assessed setup calls for.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Screen and input position | Check whether the laptop screen needs raising at either desk. If it does, plan for a separate keyboard and mouse, as HSE advises; consider a separate monitor where the workstation assessment identifies a display need. | I use the laptop for sustained work and need to position the screen without being tied to its built-in keyboard. |
| Both work locations | Review the desk and existing equipment at home and in the office. HSE says the DSE assessment should cover both settings when workers use display screens in each. | What works at my office desk may not be the equipment I have available at home. |
| Dock compatibility | Match the dock to the exact laptop connection and operating system. Check the required display outputs, peripherals and charging arrangement against the dock’s model-specific conditions. | I want to connect my desk devices without assuming that a USB-C port alone will run the displays or provide charging. |
| Employer arrangements | Check the DSE assessment and agree equipment provision, repairs and technical support before buying. Acas advises employers and staff to agree who provides or pays for equipment and repairs. | Before purchasing work equipment myself, I want to know what my employer will provide or approve. |
| Work calls | Check whether the laptop’s camera and audio meet the work requirement, then confirm any employer device and information-security rules before connecting personal equipment. | A raised laptop or regular calls might make a separate webcam or headset worth considering, but I need to check the work setup first. |
Home and office can call for different equipment. HSE says the DSE assessment should cover both locations where a worker uses display screens in each.
Record the laptop, desk and equipment used at each regular location, then follow the employer’s assessment when deciding what to add.
This keeps the screen and keyboard attached when the purpose of raising the laptop is to position them separately. HSE advises a separate keyboard and mouse with a raised laptop screen.
Pair a laptop riser with separate input devices for prolonged use, or discuss a separate display as part of the workstation assessment.
Display outputs, operating-system support and charging conditions depend on the dock and host laptop. Kensington’s SD4781P, for example, specifies its own host and display requirements rather than establishing a rule for all docks.
Compare the exact laptop specifications with the dock’s compatibility information, including the required monitors and power arrangement.
Where an applicable DSE assessment identifies equipment that is needed, HSE says the worker cannot be charged for it. Acas also advises agreeing who handles equipment and repairs.
Ask your employer about provision, approval, repairs and support before making a personal purchase.
Use a brand’s range to find a relevant product type, then check the specifications of the exact model against your laptop and workstation needs.
Dell offers monitors that combine a separate display with desk connections on particular models.
Kensington’s laptop docks are relevant when a regular desk needs connections for displays and peripherals.
Logitech lists keyboards, mice, webcams and headsets for work setups.
These options cover a keyboard-and-mouse set, external monitors and a dock. Choose the component that fits the assessed home or office setup, and check its connection requirements before purchase.
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A separate keyboard and mouse let you position the inputs independently when raising a laptop screen. Check which connection your work laptop and employer allow.
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Consider this separate display if your assessed setup calls for another screen. Confirm that the exact laptop supports the USB-C video connection needed for the intended setup.
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A dock is relevant when a regular desk needs a connection for displays and other devices. Check the laptop’s USB-C video support, the required display arrangement and charging compatibility; confirm whether an external adapter is needed.
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This is a separate desk-display option where the workstation assessment identifies a need for one. Check that the laptop supports the intended video connection and, if charging through USB-C matters, the required power arrangement.
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Consider a 27-inch desk monitor if a separate display suits the assessed workstation and available space. Check the laptop’s video connection and any USB-C charging requirement before choosing how to connect it.
Not automatically. Where UK DSE duties apply, the employer’s assessment should cover the home and office workstations and identify what equipment is needed. HSE advises a separate keyboard and mouse when raising a laptop screen for prolonged use; a separate monitor is a choice to consider when the assessed setup calls for another display.
HSE says a worker cannot be charged for extra DSE equipment that an applicable workstation assessment shows is needed. Before buying personally, agree with your employer what will be provided and how repairs and support will be handled, as Acas advises.
Match the dock to the exact laptop connection and operating system, then check the displays, peripherals and charging you need. A USB-C port alone does not establish that a particular dock will provide those functions.
Check your employer’s device approval, technical-support and information-security arrangements first. Acas advises employers and staff to agree how home-working equipment and related support will be managed.