For long laptop sessions split between home and office, start with the individual workstation assessment rather than a standard bundle. A riser with a separate keyboard and mouse lets you raise the laptop screen without raising your typing position; choose a separate monitor when you need an independent display, and consider a dock when its connections work with your laptop and your employer permits it. The Health and Safety Executive says that, where an applicable display screen equipment assessment identifies action such as providing equipment, the worker cannot be charged for that equipment.
If you use a laptop for sustained screen work, the screen and built-in keyboard cannot be positioned independently. The Health and Safety Executive describes a raised laptop with separate input devices, or a separate display, as ways to arrange the workstation.
If the same work laptop moves between home and office, consider what you will reconnect or carry each time. The Health and Safety Executive says an assessment for display screen equipment used in both places should cover both situations.
If an assessment has identified an issue, use its outcome to choose equipment rather than buying a general-purpose bundle. The Health and Safety Executive and Acas describe assessment and employer arrangements as part of deciding what is needed and who provides it.
For long laptop sessions at home and in the office, identify the main problem you need the setup to address, then check the equipment and work-device rules that affect that choice.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Screen position | Check whether a riser and separate input devices give you a workable screen position, or whether you need space and a compatible connection for a separate monitor. | If I spend long stretches looking at the laptop screen, I need to position it without putting the keyboard out of reach. About 36% of consumers put screen position first. |
| Portable input setup | Decide whether a separate keyboard and mouse will travel with you or stay at each desk; check their fit and the work laptop's connection rules. | Moving between desks, I need input devices I can use consistently without relying on the raised laptop's keyboard. Portable input is the main concern for about 29% of consumers. |
| Connection compatibility | Match the laptop's documented video protocol, monitor or dock requirements and charging needs; ask IT about managed-device restrictions. | If reconnecting displays and peripherals takes effort each time, I want a simpler connection that actually works with my work laptop. Around 21% of consumers prioritise that need. |
| Assessment and approval | Use the employer's assessment process for both work locations and agree equipment provision and IT approval before buying. | When an assessment identifies a specific issue, I need to know which change is appropriate and who will arrange it. That is the primary concern for about 14% of consumers. |
The appropriate equipment depends on the individual workstation. For UK workers covered by display screen equipment rules, the Health and Safety Executive says an assessment should identify action needed to reduce risks; a desired accessory is not automatically the identified action.
Record issues at home and in the office, then agree the assessment outcome and equipment arrangements with your employer before buying personally.
A matching connector shape does not establish video or charging compatibility. Lenovo says its USB-C and Thunderbolt docks require a supported protocol through the laptop's Type-C port.
Check the exact laptop model, the dock or monitor requirements, the intended display connection and charging requirements; ask IT before connecting a dock to a managed device.
A connection mismatch can mean changing the cable, adapter or dock.
Moving the whole laptop raises its built-in keyboard and trackpad along with the screen. The Health and Safety Executive describes using a separate keyboard and mouse when a laptop screen is elevated for prolonged use.
Plan space for the riser and separate input devices together, rather than choosing the riser in isolation.
Shape and fit are individual. Logitech, for example, describes its Lift mouse as intended for small-to-medium hands and offers a left-handed version; that does not establish suitability for everyone.
Consider hand fit, the task, the whole workstation and whether your employer permits the device's connection method.
A reference point for a monitor that combines a separate display with USB-C hub features.
A reference point when considering a dock for displays, peripherals, wired networking and charging.
A reference point for a separate mouse when a raised laptop setup needs independent input devices.
These options address two parts of a hybrid laptop setup: a separate display and a mouse for use alongside separate input and screen-positioning equipment. Choose any additional components in line with your workstation assessment and work-device requirements.
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Consider this separate display if your desk has room for a monitor and your work laptop can connect to it. The listed P2425H has a 24-inch, 1920 × 1080 IPS display and HDMI, DisplayPort, VGA and USB-C connections. Confirm the connection you intend to use, particularly whether its USB-C connection meets your video or charging needs, and obtain employer approval where required.
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Consider this as a separate pointing device if your workstation arrangement calls for one; it does not raise the laptop screen or provide a keyboard. The MW500BT lists Bluetooth and 2.4 GHz wireless modes, six buttons and an adjustable 1600 DPI sensor. Check the shape for personal fit and confirm your employer permits the intended wireless connection on a managed laptop.
Not every requested item must be provided. For UK workers to whom display screen equipment rules apply, the Health and Safety Executive says the employer should assess the individual workstation and reduce identified risks so far as reasonably practicable. If the assessment indicates action such as providing display screen equipment, the worker cannot be charged for it; agree the action and equipment arrangements before purchasing personally.
They can cover permanent or long-term home workers and hybrid workers who use display screen equipment daily for continuous periods of an hour or more as part of their normal work. The Health and Safety Executive says that, where the rules apply, the assessment should cover both the home and office workstations.
No: check the laptop's documented display capability against the monitor or dock's requirements rather than relying on the socket shape. Lenovo says its USB-C and Thunderbolt docks require USB-C Alt Mode, DisplayLink or Thunderbolt support through the laptop's Type-C port. Check charging requirements separately.
Yes, if the laptop is managed by your employer, confirm its rules for accessories, drivers, Bluetooth or USB receivers and network connections before choosing a device. Acas advises employers and staff to agree equipment and technical-support arrangements for home working.