Start with the individual workstation assessment and the laptop’s connection capabilities, rather than a standard equipment bundle. For prolonged laptop work, Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidance supports using a separate keyboard and mouse so the screen can be raised, or using a separate display; add a dock only after checking the laptop, cable, display and charging requirements together.
If you work on a laptop at home for sustained periods, consider the whole workstation rather than buying a standard bundle. HSE says employers must assess workstations for workers covered by display screen equipment (DSE) requirements.
If the laptop remains your main computer, a portable riser may help you arrange its screen at home. For prolonged laptop use, HSE advises a separate keyboard and mouse so you are not relying on the raised laptop’s built-in inputs.
If you want to connect displays and peripherals through a dock or adaptor, check the exact laptop and its permitted accessories first. The USB Implementers Forum says a USB4 connection operates at the best mutual capability of the connected devices.
Settle the workstation arrangement before choosing accessories, then check that each display or connection works with your laptop.
| Priority | What to check | Your needs |
|---|---|---|
| Workstation assessment | Check whether your home DSE use calls for an employer assessment. Consider the complete workstation and any individual requirements, not just one accessory. | I work on a screen at home regularly and need to know which changes address my workstation needs, rather than choosing a standard bundle. |
| Screen and input position | For prolonged laptop use, HSE advises a separate keyboard and mouse so the laptop screen can be raised; a separate display is another option. Check the desk space and positions of all three. | I want to position the screen without having to type or use the trackpad on an elevated laptop. |
| Display choice | Compare a raised laptop screen with a separate monitor in the context of your workstation. Check the laptop’s video output, monitor input and available desk space. | A separate screen matters to me if it fits my desk and laptop; a riser may suit me when I continue to work from the laptop screen. |
| Dock compatibility | Check the exact laptop port, cable, required display arrangement and charging power together. Confirm any employer IT restrictions before connecting a dock or adaptor. | I want fewer connections to manage at my desk, but only if the equipment works with my work laptop and required displays. |
| Portable accessories | Check a stand against the laptop’s size and weight, and confirm the keyboard layout and pointing-device fit. Keep any assessment findings in view. | I move between home and workplace, so accessories need to be practical to carry without compromising the setup I use at home. |
A monitor or accessory chosen in isolation may not address the job, working conditions and individual needs that a DSE assessment considers.
If you use DSE daily for continuous periods of an hour or more, ask your employer how your home workstation is assessed before choosing equipment intended to address a workstation issue.
An elevated laptop also raises its keyboard and trackpad. HSE’s prolonged-laptop guidance pairs screen elevation with a separate keyboard and mouse.
Allow room for separate inputs when choosing a riser, or consider whether a separate display better suits the desk arrangement.
A connector’s shape does not establish the display or charging result. The USB Implementers Forum says USB4 devices connect at their best mutual capability; Dell specifies different power delivery for Dell and non-Dell systems on its SD25TB4 dock.
Check the laptop’s port documentation, cable, required displays, charging requirement and employer device rules against the particular dock or adaptor.
HSE says home workers’ equipment needs depend on their circumstances; a particular office-style setup is not automatically necessary for everyone.
Choose optional accessories for their fit and connection needs, while using the applicable employer DSE process to identify workstation changes.
A reference point when comparing documented dock specifications for a particular laptop.
A reference point for workers considering a movable laptop riser.
A reference point when choosing a pointing device to use with a separate keyboard or display.
These options cover separate input devices, external displays and a USB-C adaptor for a laptop-based home workstation. Choose the equipment type around your workstation needs, then check the exact device connections.
No image available
A separate keyboard and mouse can accompany a raised laptop screen. Check that the keyboard layout suits your work before choosing this set.
No image available
This is a separate display option for a home desk. Check your laptop’s video output and the space available for the screen before choosing it.
No image available
This larger separate display needs enough desk space for a suitable viewing arrangement. Confirm that your laptop can connect to it before buying.
No image available
For connecting a compatible laptop to a single display and other wired devices, this adaptor lists 4K HDMI, VGA, Gigabit Ethernet, dual USB 3.0 ports and 100 W Power Delivery pass-through. Check USB-C Alt Mode support, the laptop’s charging requirement and employer IT approval; the stated display support is for one display only.
No image available
A portable separate display may suit work across locations. This IPS model lists USB Type-C and an anti-glare surface; check your laptop’s USB-C video and power capabilities before choosing it.
Ask your employer to check how DSE requirements apply if you use display screen equipment at home daily for continuous periods of an hour or more. HSE guidance for Great Britain and Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland guidance both identify that pattern of use; HSE also says employers must assess workstations for workers covered by the requirements.
Not if you will still type and point on the raised laptop. HSE advises using a separate keyboard and mouse so the laptop screen can be elevated; a separate display is another option. Check how either arrangement fits the whole workstation.
Do not assume those functions from the connector alone. The USB Implementers Forum says USB4 connections operate at the best mutual capability of connected devices, and Dell specifies different charging power for Dell and non-Dell systems on its SD25TB4 dock. Check the exact laptop port, cable, display requirements, charging needs and employer device rules against the dock you intend to use.