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AIBU?

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Original poster

To think it’s unprofessional for an employer to give me a work laptop without a case?

155 replies

BusyEagle · 08/02/2025 20:21

I started a new job this week and I was issued a work laptop, but it didn’t come with a case or sleeve for protection. AIBU to think that’s a bit improper or unprofessional? Surely, if they expect me to take care of it, they should provide something to keep it safe?

OP posts:
LemograssLollipop · 08/02/2025 22:30

We are provided with laptop bags for work issued laptops as per a pic posted above and most people use them. One person changed the strap which looked odd to me.
Are we out of touch for using the bags?!?
It seems we are from comments on this thread.

I think you are getting a hard time OP. If you are worried about damaging the laptop when commuting just ask for a bag!

Mielikki · 08/02/2025 22:23

I’d completely forgotten that laptop cases were even a thing. Don’t think I’ve seen one in 15 years.

Bluejacket · 08/02/2025 22:22

My daughter’s (purchased herself) backpack/work bag includes a padded pocket for her work laptop. I’ve never seen her with a case, she wouldn’t have use for one.

Justalittlehandhold · 08/02/2025 22:20

How longs your probation period OP?

BriaTee · 08/02/2025 22:19

Me neither.

Council cuts under the Conservatives.

As well as accepting three days extra unpaid leave to save the council money, we were told how many thousands the council would save if we all bought our own laptop bag.

We did ( and accepted the three days unpaid leave too).

theotherplace · 08/02/2025 22:18

This is so funny, not only are you vexed about it, you are posting about it? It's completely normal I'm afraid

Tangled123 · 08/02/2025 22:16

I think my employer stopped giving laptops to all new starts, never mind the case to go with it. I did get a case with mine but I’ve only used it once or twice to take the laptop back to the office for updates. I’ve never needed to take it anywhere else.

lemongrizzly · 08/02/2025 22:15

You can get really nice cheap laptop covers from Typo. Although I charity shopped mine as I now have a rucksack with a padded laptop pocket.

LuluBlakey1 · 08/02/2025 22:13

BusyEagle · 08/02/2025 20:21

I started a new job this week and I was issued a work laptop, but it didn’t come with a case or sleeve for protection. AIBU to think that’s a bit improper or unprofessional? Surely, if they expect me to take care of it, they should provide something to keep it safe?

Good grief! Get a grip- the world does not owe you everything. Use your nouse- you can buy them for 99p on ebay.

LolaPeony · 08/02/2025 22:10

Just put it on your bag? What’s the big deal? I’ve had at least 10 different work laptops in my time - none came with a protective sleeve.

Niallig32839 · 08/02/2025 22:02

I’ve always been given one at any job. they are ugly, awkward and heavy but for the most part I’ve used them anyway as I’ve not been using public transport so do the job going from car to office or car to home. I’d say it’s pretty standard too but seems not from everyone else’s response

MajorCarolDanvers · 08/02/2025 21:47

They are going to love you

Grammarnut · 08/02/2025 21:37

HoskinsChoice · 08/02/2025 20:22

Seems a tiny bit of an OTT reaction. I have never had a laptop case in my life!

I have one (two!) which I use when I travel with the laptop. But sometimes I just put it in a bag. DD, however, has a laptop bag for her work laptop. She also has a suitcase (her own) which will hold a laptop in a bag against the handle. She travels a lot for work and I presume her employer provided the laptop bag for that reason.
OP could ask for one - or just go and buy one. Then the bag is hers for her own laptop if/when she wants.

70isaLimitNotaTarget · 08/02/2025 21:37

pimplebum · 08/02/2025 20:33

Yes unprofessional you should log a complaint in writing to your boss so there is a paper trail
make sure you Cc in all the management and union rep and mention it in the staff room a few times for good measure

… or you could pop along to flying tiger / tkmaxx / use a bit of bubble wrap ?

I was given a laptop , no case (NHS) , I did all that ,
CC'd in manager
HR
And I went straight to the Daily Mail with my SadFace that This Is What The NHS Has Come To . No Wonder It Is Flagging. No Bloody Covers

Except I didn't . I said "Ohhh ta . Nice shiney laptop" and calmly put it in my rucksack padded sleeve thingey

Londonrach1 · 08/02/2025 21:33

Your first job op...yabu by the way.

MarioLink · 08/02/2025 21:33

At my work they need ordering separately and you can do that yourself but ideally the person who orders the IT for the new starter sorts it all. They are separate items as a lot of laptops are replacements so the employee already has the case.

Westpoint · 08/02/2025 21:30

I'd quietly quit if I were you.

Rummly · 08/02/2025 21:29

Garlicworth · 08/02/2025 21:26

Many moons ago, you used to get one of these with your work laptop. They were ugly, cumbersome, damaged your clothing, and weighed a ton even before you'd stashed your hefty millennial laptop and a few folders inside.

Is this what you want, OP? I bet someone you know has an unwanted one knocking around.

They’re common in charity shops in my experience.

Zone2NorthLondon · 08/02/2025 21:27

I have a work laptop but declined the ghastly backpack they offered me
Employers aren’t compelled to buy you a case, yiu can pick one up on Amazon

BatchCookBabe · 08/02/2025 21:27

OP hasn't come back. I wonder why! 😂

Garlicworth · 08/02/2025 21:26

Many moons ago, you used to get one of these with your work laptop. They were ugly, cumbersome, damaged your clothing, and weighed a ton even before you'd stashed your hefty millennial laptop and a few folders inside.

Is this what you want, OP? I bet someone you know has an unwanted one knocking around.

To think it’s unprofessional for an employer to give me a work laptop without a case?
JustRollWithIt · 08/02/2025 21:24

I think you have your answer! YABU

TheMadGardener · 08/02/2025 21:23

My work doesn't issue bags for work laptops. I have to transport mine a lot because I work between different schools. I bought a rucksack which has a padded laptop pocket within it, end of problem.
There are lots but this is very sturdy and comes in lots of colours. amzn.eu/d/bQGHFzt

Auburngal · 08/02/2025 21:22

From those who are given work laptops, most get delivered/collect from office in the packaging. None got a bag. Expect to get your own - can get a variety of types, styles and colours. Depends on how you travel to work, will determine which style suits you best.

Friend WFH 3 days a week and in office twice a week. She goes on the bus as no parking for colleagues - unless managerial or disabled and going on the bus is a few quid cheaper than parking for a whole day. She has a rucksack which has a compartment for book and her packed lunch - she is GF so easier to do this.

RIPVPROG · 08/02/2025 21:22

We don't issue them as standard anymore, most people don't want them and use a bag they've chosen. If people want them they can order a laptop bag or a laptop suitable backpack from the IT portal, they are ugly nylon things so few do.