For one dashboard beside a paper report, choose an adjustable single monitor arm that lets each desk user reposition the screen and leaves room for paperwork. Choose a dual arm when a second digital report or reference screen must stay visible; consider a higher-capacity system only when the displays and mounting arrangement call for it. In every case, check each monitor’s weight and VESA pattern against the exact arm, then confirm that its mount fits the desk.
You need to move one dashboard screen into position when you take over the desk, then leave space for a paper report. The Health and Safety Executive advises positioning a screen for the current user rather than accepting a fixed viewing position.
You need a dashboard and a digital report or spreadsheet visible together. Independent positioning and a suitable load rating for each screen matter when choosing a dual arm.
You are equipping a shared workplace, so the arm needs to fit the wider adjustable workstation. Where display screen equipment rules apply, the Health and Safety Executive says employers must assess workstations and reduce risks.
Choose when: One movable dashboard screen sits beside a paper report.
Trade-off: It leaves room for paperwork but does not keep a second digital document on display.
Choose when: The dashboard and a digital report need to remain visible at the same time.
Trade-off: Two moving screens need more clearance around the mounting point.
Choose when: Heavier displays or a configurable shared workstation call for a different mounting arrangement.
Trade-off: Permitted loads can depend on the exact arm and mount configuration.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Adjustment between users | Check the available lift, pan and reach, and whether the arm moves as intended at the monitor’s actual weight. | When colleagues take turns at the desk, I want to bring the dashboard into my own viewing position without moving the paper report. Around 42% of consumers put quick screen readjustment first. |
| Simultaneous viewing | Check whether both screens can be positioned independently and whether each arm supports its assigned display. | If my report is digital, I need to see it beside the dashboard rather than switch between windows. For around 33% of consumers, keeping both views visible is the main priority. |
| Monitor and desk fit | Match the screen’s weight and VESA pattern to the exact arm; measure the desk edge or intended mounting hole. | Before choosing an arm, I need to know that my screen and this desk can take the intended mounting arrangement. Compatibility comes first for around 25% of consumers. |
An arm described as suitable for a particular screen size can still have the wrong load range or VESA pattern for your monitor. Ergotron, StarTech.com and ErgoMounts specify different per-screen capacities for the models discussed here.
Find the monitor’s model, weight without its stand and mounting-hole pattern, then compare them with the exact arm or configuration.
Desk thickness, edge shape and obstructions beneath the worktop affect installation. For example, ErgoMounts specifies a surface thickness of up to 72 mm for its UltraView 420 desk clamp; its bolt-through version uses a 10 mm hole.
Measure the intended mounting point and check for a cable tray or other obstruction before choosing a clamp or bolt-through version.
A bolt-through installation may require a suitable existing hole or desk modification.
One fixed screen position may not suit each person who uses the workstation. The Health and Safety Executive advises placing the top of the screen around eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away.
Check that the arm’s movement range lets the intended users position the display, and that it remains adjustable with their monitor fitted.
A movable display does not address the position of the keyboard, chair, paper report or lighting. The Health and Safety Executive’s display screen equipment guidance concerns the workstation as a whole.
Set up the display and documents for the current user, and include the wider shared workstation in any applicable workplace assessment.
The LX Desk Monitor Arm is a single-screen option to examine when frequent repositioning matters.
M2 Pro is an office-oriented arm to consider for a lighter display or a configurable workstation.
ARMDUAL2 is a dual-screen option for keeping a dashboard beside a second digital display.
UltraView 420 is a dual-screen desk-mount option to assess for displays needing a higher per-screen load rating.
Choose a single adjustable arm for one dashboard screen beside a paper report. A dual arm suits a dashboard beside a second digital display, provided each screen meets its arm’s load and mounting requirements.
Check the monitor’s weight without its stand and its VESA hole pattern, then measure the usable desk edge or intended mounting hole. Compare those details with the exact arm’s per-screen load range and attachment requirements; screen size alone does not establish a fit.
The Health and Safety Executive advises positioning the top of the screen around eye level and the screen about an arm’s length away. Set the screen and keyboard centrally for the person currently using the shared desk, adjusting the arm when users change.
No. For workers using display screen equipment daily for continuous periods of an hour or more, the Health and Safety Executive says the employer must assess the workstation and reduce risks. A monitor arm addresses screen positioning, not the whole desk, chair, document layout or lighting.