Choose equipment that addresses the finding from your display screen equipment (DSE) assessment: separate input devices if the laptop must be raised, an external monitor if screen position or display space is the issue, or a dock if a fixed desk needs repeated connections. Before choosing a USB-C monitor or dock, check the employer-issued laptop's exact video, display and charging support, as well as IT approval; the connector alone does not establish compatibility.
If an assessment identifies a screen-position or keyboard-placement issue during sustained home work, consider how a monitor or laptop stand would work alongside separate input devices. The Health and Safety Executive advises assessing the home workstation as a whole.
If your regular setup uses an external display and several peripherals, a dock or USB-C monitor may simplify connections. Check the exact laptop and intended display arrangement first: Lenovo and Kensington document differences in the functions supported by different systems.
Use the assessment result to distinguish necessary equipment from a personal upgrade. The Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged for extra DSE equipment their workstation assessment shows they need; check your organisation's policy for optional equipment.
Start with the assessed workstation need, then check how the proposed equipment will connect to the employer-issued laptop. For workers choosing additional equipment for long-term home or hybrid work, each concern below represents a different primary need.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Screen position and space | Check screen adjustment and glare at the desk, plus the laptop's supported external-display connection. | If my screen position or available display space makes regular work difficult, I need a display arrangement that fits the desk. About 34% of consumers put this screen need first. |
| Keyboard and mouse position | If raising the laptop, check space for a separate keyboard and mouse and confirm their connection method is approved. | With my laptop screen raised, I need to place the keyboard and mouse independently rather than type at screen height. That is the primary concern for about 33% of consumers. |
| Connections at a fixed desk | Match the exact laptop's video protocol, display limits and charging requirement to the proposed dock or USB-C monitor. | Repeatedly connecting my displays and peripherals makes dependable laptop compatibility my priority; about 25% of consumers put those connections first. |
| Equipment for calls | Check conferencing-software support and whether the employer permits the accessory and its connection method. | If regular calls require a separate webcam or headset, I need one that works within my organisation's setup. About 8% of consumers prioritise that equipment. |
A matching connector does not establish that the laptop supports the required video, display arrangement or charging functions. Kensington notes that USB-C capabilities depend on how the device implements the connector.
Compare the exact laptop model and operating system with the dock or monitor maker's compatibility information, including display limits and power requirements.
A stand changes the position of the built-in keyboard as well as the screen. UK DSE workstation requirements specify a keyboard separate from the screen so its position can be adjusted for the user.
Assess a separate keyboard and mouse alongside the stand, with enough desk space to position them appropriately.
The assessment may identify equipment the employer needs to provide or arrange, while optional choices can follow a different workplace process. The Health and Safety Executive says workers cannot be charged for extra DSE equipment shown to be necessary by their workstation assessment.
Keep the assessment result and ask what equipment is approved or available before making a personal purchase.
A second screen may address display space without resolving keyboard placement, glare or connection needs. The Health and Safety Executive's assessment guidance covers the whole workstation and the work done there.
Recheck screen placement, input devices, lighting and cables together after changing the desk arrangement.
Dell's USB-C monitor range is relevant when a display with peripheral connections is being considered for a fixed desk.
Lenovo's dock range is relevant to workers connecting an employer-issued laptop to displays and peripherals.
Kensington is relevant when comparing docks that use different laptop connection standards.
Logitech's keyboard, mouse and communication-device ranges are relevant when an assessment or work arrangement calls for separate peripherals.
These options cover external screens, a dock and separate input devices for a laptop workstation. Choose the equipment that addresses the assessment finding, and confirm connections and desk placement before ordering.
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Consider this external monitor if the assessed setup calls for a separate screen. Its name specifies IPS and WQHD; check the required screen position, laptop video connection and any charging requirement against the exact equipment.
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This 27-inch, 16:9 monitor is an option when the assessed desk arrangement calls for an external display. Check its positioning at the desk and confirm that the employer laptop supports the intended video connection.
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Consider this dock when a fixed desk calls for repeated display and peripheral connections. Its named features include dual HDMI 4K and 100W Power Delivery pass-through; verify the laptop's supported display configuration, charging needs, IT approval and any required adapter before choosing it.
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A separate keyboard and mouse may be needed when the laptop screen is raised. This set is named as a USB, UK-layout option with a CoPilot key; check available connections, employer approval and whether the mouse arrangement suits the user.
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Consider this FHD external screen if you need another display across hybrid-work locations. Confirm that the exact laptop supports the required video connection and that the screen can be positioned as the workstation assessment requires.
The Health and Safety Executive says employers must assess workstations when workers use display screen equipment daily as part of normal work, continuously for an hour or more. For someone working at home and in the office, the assessment should cover both arrangements.
No. The Health and Safety Executive says a worker cannot be charged for extra DSE equipment their workstation assessment shows they need. An optional personal upgrade is a separate question to raise through the organisation's equipment process.
No. As Kensington explains, USB-C describes the connector, while video and charging functions depend on the device. Check the exact laptop model, supported video protocol, intended display configuration and charging support against the monitor or dock documentation.
Confirm the employer-issued laptop's model and operating system, the displays you intend to connect, charging requirements and any restrictions on drivers, firmware or peripherals. Lenovo documents dock functions that can be limited on some non-Lenovo systems, even where a connection is physically possible.
Check your organisation's home-working or hybrid-working equipment policy and ask your manager or HR team if the process is unclear. Acas advises checking workplace policies for home and hybrid working; keep that process distinct from equipment identified as necessary by a DSE assessment.