For a dashboard on one monitor beside a paper report, choose an adjustable single arm that lets you reposition the screen as the desk moves. If the report is a second display, consider independent positioning for both screens; in either case, check the monitor’s weight and VESA fixing, the arm’s usable lift and the desk mounting point before choosing a model.
If the report stays on paper, one dashboard screen needs to move into a comfortable position when you change desk height. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the top of the screen at eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away.
When both the dashboard and report are electronic, each display may need its own position. Check that the complete mounting arrangement fits the desk and supports both monitors; Humanscale describes multi-monitor arrangements for this kind of setup.
A larger or heavier display makes its actual weight, VESA fixing and usable lift more important than screen size alone. Ergotron and ARCTIC publish model-specific limits that can be checked against the monitor and desk.
Decide whether the report is paper or a second screen before choosing the number of arms. Then check how far the dashboard monitor must move between your seated and standing positions and whether its mount fits the desk.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Seated-to-standing adjustment | Compare the arm’s stated lift and monitor-weight range with the screen position needed at both desk heights. Ergotron warns that its LX Desk Arm can lose vertical range with monitors above 9.1 kg. | I need the dashboard at a comfortable viewing height whenever I raise or lower the desk; around 42% of consumers would put repeatable height adjustment first. |
| Side-by-side viewing | Establish whether the report is printed or displayed on a second monitor. For two screens, check independent positioning and the space required by the complete mount. | If my report is on-screen, I want to keep it visible beside the dashboard without continually rearranging windows; roughly 33% of consumers would prioritise viewing both sources together. |
| Monitor and desk fit | Check the monitor’s weight and VESA pattern, then measure desktop thickness and inspect the proposed mounting point underneath. | A heavy display or an awkward desk edge makes a secure fit my deciding factor; about 25% of consumers would treat mounting compatibility as their primary concern. |
Screen size does not establish the monitor’s VESA fixing, weight or the lift available once it is attached. Ergotron says the LX Desk Arm’s vertical range may reduce for monitors above 9.1 kg.
Find the exact monitor model and compare its fixing and weight with the arm’s specifications, including any load-dependent movement limits.
A clamp needs a suitable mounting surface and clearance below it. ARCTIC specifies a 20–60 mm tabletop range for the Z1 (Gen 3) and recommends a stiffening board for honeycomb or sandwich desktops with hollow pockets.
Measure the intended mounting position, check for obstructions beneath it and follow the selected arm maker’s instructions for that desk construction.
A permitted reinforcement board or a different mounting arrangement may be needed.
A printed report needs usable desk space, not a second monitor mount. Dual hardware addresses a different need: positioning two electronic displays.
Choose the screen configuration only after deciding where the report will be viewed.
A second arm also takes up mounting space and adds cables to manage.
Moving the screen changes only part of the setup. The Health and Safety Executive’s display-screen guidance also considers viewing position and the wider workstation.
After fitting an arm, check the screen, keyboard, mouse and working position together. For an employee’s workstation, follow the employer’s display-screen-equipment assessment process.
Its LX range includes conventional and sit-stand arms, making the particular arm and monitor load important to this choice.
Its single-arm and M/Flex arrangements are relevant when deciding whether the report needs its own display.
Its Z1 (Gen 3) provides published monitor and tabletop limits to compare with a proposed single-screen setup.
Only if the report is a second electronic display that needs to stay visible beside the dashboard. For a printed report, a single adjustable arm can leave desk space for the document without mounting another screen.
Check the monitor’s weight and VESA fixing, measure the desktop at the intended clamp position and look underneath for obstructions. Limits vary by model: ARCTIC specifies a 20–60 mm tabletop range for the Z1 (Gen 3) and advises reinforcement for certain hollow-pocket desktops.
No. An arm can help position the screen, but the Health and Safety Executive also advises considering the whole workstation, including posture and input-device placement. Its screen-position guidance places the top of the display at eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away.
Yes, where display-screen-equipment assessment duties apply, a changed display arrangement should be considered in the workstation review. The Health and Safety Executive advises assessment when a workstation is set up or changed; follow the employer’s process for the updated setup.