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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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:
Ferrazzuoli · 08/02/2025 20:48

I provided my own case.

Hankunamatata · 08/02/2025 20:48

Um buy one

GrandHighPoohbah · 08/02/2025 20:51

Lots of bags and backpacks have laptop sleeves already so many people don't want a separate laptop case.

ItGhoul · 08/02/2025 20:52

Who uses a laptop case these days? It’s not 2002. Just put your laptop in your usual bag or backpack or whatever you use.

VimesandhisCardboardBoots · 08/02/2025 20:53

I've worked at 3 places that have given out work laptops, none of them came with a case.

therattlebag23 · 08/02/2025 20:56

AIBU to think it is unprofessional of my employer to expect me to get to work when they haven't given me a pair of shoes and a coat? Surely if they expect me to get the office they should give me something to keep my feet and body dry?

Dueanamechange2025 · 08/02/2025 20:57

Like everyone else has said, our IT only issue them if asked. The work ones are big and ugly.

User67556 · 08/02/2025 20:59

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?

YANBU I've always been given a bag not just a sleeve. A lot of people prefer to use their own laptop bag though. All you can do is ask - I asked for a mouse and keyboard and laptop stand which I got but they didn't issue as standard.

Itisjustmyopinion · 08/02/2025 20:59

My work issued laptop bag has been at the bottom of my wardrobe since the day I joined my company 3 years ago. Laptop still looks absolutely fine, doesn’t need any sort of cover

DiscoBeat · 08/02/2025 21:00

I wouldn't even think of it. Just put it in your laptop bag, surely?

doodahdayy · 08/02/2025 21:00

Is this all you have to worry about?

GravyBoatWars · 08/02/2025 21:01

If your actual job (not your travel to or from your job or your out-of-work activities) is likely to pose a risk to your work devices then your employer should provide suitable protection. So a device used outdoors, while walking, on a job site or around children etc. should have a case or similar. And an employee who is expected to travel with their device as part of their job should be able to ask for suitable protection.

But just a laptop you work from home with or sometimes choose to take home from the office? No. It's nice perk if they offer something but it's completely fine to expect employees to take due care with work-issued devices and transport them safely to and from work in their own bag.

Nitgel · 08/02/2025 21:01

Some shitty posts on here. I think in the past you would have been given something.

CandiedPrincess · 08/02/2025 21:01

What 😆 No. How old are you?

GargoylesofBeelzebub · 08/02/2025 21:02

Huh? I've never been given one.

misssunshine4040 · 08/02/2025 21:02

My work laptop had no case but I bought one using their money

SapphireOpal · 08/02/2025 21:03

Nitgel · 08/02/2025 21:01

Some shitty posts on here. I think in the past you would have been given something.

Edited

You'd be given something at my work IF YOU ASKED.

It doesn't sound like OP bothered to use her words though.

UpMyself · 08/02/2025 21:04

I use my own case. Most companies don't supply a case in my experience.

NeverDropYourMooncup · 08/02/2025 21:04

No point in them paying out another tenner per laptop only for them to be 'lost' within the first six months and for people to refuse the surviving ones because they're filthy/tatty/full of pen leaks and sweet wrappers (they had a 30% return rate compared to the 100% laptop one, even if 40% had more games shopping and kids apps on them than actual work files). Wireless mice were even less likely to return with the receiver.

Just spend £15 on a sleeve that won't look like you've been given the least knackered laptop from the back of IT's laptop graveyard because you're too skint/unimportant/poorly paid to have your own laptop.

DonnatellaLyman · 08/02/2025 21:05

No, because it’s not 2005.

Rummly · 08/02/2025 21:07

It’s not just unprofessional. It’s shocking.

You need to organise a petition. If that doesn’t get results then work-to-rule. Any further shenanigans after that about laptop cases and it’s down tools and a protracted strike.

Employers think they can do what they like these days. You need to show you won’t be pushed around.

NoTouch · 08/02/2025 21:09

In our place, IT do not give you the cover or case/bag, but you can ask your line manager to buy a ugly basic one out of their department budget. Most people buy their own though as they want something more to their own taste.

Did you ask your line manager?

EmmaMaria · 08/02/2025 21:16

I think it's unprofessional to slag off your new employer on social media before you've even asked them for something.

Reugny · 08/02/2025 21:16

I got to order a laptop bag for my company laptop when the company got taken over. My DD immediately took it.

I actually have my own plethora of laptop cases and bags, so I didn't think it was odd my original employer didn't offer me one. The one I prefer to use fits two laptops as I often used to have to carry two.

However I do get annoyed if I'm given a laptop without the box and expected to courier it back. The right size box plus packing costs as much as a generic (ugly and uncomfortable) laptop bag.

ThinWomansBrain · 08/02/2025 21:19

At one point (I had my first laptop late 80s, and it was a brick) laptops used to be supplied with a carry bag I think.
I usually advocate that an organisation provides them if requested, to protect the laptop, but most people want to use their own bags. I recently purchased several laptop sleeves for work from eBay, about £6.50 each.
Have you asked for one, or if you can buy a cheap one & expense it,