Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Child-safe in minutes.

Meet the Other Phone.
Child-safe in minutes.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

See all MNHQ comments on this thread

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:
AnnaQuayInTheUk · 09/02/2025 05:42

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).

Our LA did the 3 days unpaid leave as well. It ca

OP. just use your own bag. I bought a laptop rucksack for mine because I wanted to carry other stuff around as well. I think it was under £30. If you just want a case I think you can pick them up for a few pounds.

xsammi · 09/02/2025 06:03

I'm sort of with the OP.

I think it's unprofessional when companies don't make clear what their actual policies are on kit. New employees won't know what they can and can't ask for without pissing someone off, and it should be explicit.

E.g. You are expected to provide A yourself, you can have B on request in circumstances C and D only, up to a budget of £E and/or by choosing from one of our preferred suppliers.

I also think it should be more generous when you are forced to work from home part-time. If you've been told it's mandatory hybrid working, so don't come in certain days, they should provide suitable equipment, like a backpack or little case on wheels. I think those stupid 'traditional' laptop bags on a crossbody strap are a bad idea for most people in the long run - they're not great for your back.

It's slightly different if you are allowed to work in the office 5 days a week but you've chosen to take advantage of hybrid working. I think if you're the one who chose to cart stuff back and forth, it's more reasonable to expect you to bring your own bag/case.

Blue278 · 09/02/2025 06:09

Come to my office. I’m doing a clear out and there are about 30 in a cupboard which will probably be going in a skip as we don’t know what to do with them.
From the days when we were unprofessional and issued them without thought for the waste and the environment.

HoraceCope · 09/02/2025 06:43

pretty sure in nhs you get one as standard, proper rucksack laptop case,
i know our department do,
comes from IT

NoWordForFluffy · 09/02/2025 06:48

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.

This is what we get issued with!

KimberleyClark · 09/02/2025 06:56

The last place Iworked didn’t provide laptop cases. Your department’s stationery budget holder might order one for you?

Glittertwins · 09/02/2025 07:02

I've never had one and I've had work place issued laptops for over 25 years. Never managed to damage a laptop either.

Bouledeneige · 09/02/2025 07:33

Not had a laptop case in 20 years. I'm a CEO. Can't say anyone in my very professional organisation does.

Justalittlehandhold · 09/02/2025 07:37

Bouledeneige · 09/02/2025 07:33

Not had a laptop case in 20 years. I'm a CEO. Can't say anyone in my very professional organisation does.

Do you know what all your employees are saying behind your back because of lack of laptop cases?

TheyAreNotAngelsTheyDontCareAtAll · 09/02/2025 07:41

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?

Did they supply you with a pencil case? I mean, if not, I'd be handing in my notice immediately.

Idontjetwashthefucker · 09/02/2025 07:44

I started my new job last year, I received laptop in a case, laptop bag, phone in a case and iPad in a case, same in my previous job 20 odd years ago. I thought that was pretty standard to be fair to the OP

pd339 · 09/02/2025 07:47

Yawn

Bouledeneige · 09/02/2025 07:48

The head of IT is very opinionated (and judgy about my poor IT etiquette) - he would be more than happy to tell me if a laptop case was required for everyone for everyone. Just as a week before I started in my job 2 years ago he had delivered my office chair, laptop, headphones, keyboard, two screens and mobile to my house! I'm sure he would have sent a laptop case too if required.

InDogweRust · 09/02/2025 07:51

Ive been given about 12 bloody laptop bags/cases over the years, none of which i use at all.

Its been a complete waste of money and resource. They are usually either ugly or poor quality, so most people choose to use their own bag.

denhaag · 09/02/2025 07:52

Idontjetwashthefucker · 09/02/2025 07:44

I started my new job last year, I received laptop in a case, laptop bag, phone in a case and iPad in a case, same in my previous job 20 odd years ago. I thought that was pretty standard to be fair to the OP

What industry are you in?
Bet you a mousepad it's not academia!

SnowdropPancake · 09/02/2025 07:53

I work in IT and I don't think anywhere I've worked has issued a laptop bag as standard for at least 10 years or so now.

As others have said, they are most often wasted because people don't like them and prefer to use their own.

There has always been some bags available if you ask, though.

IroningBoardAgainstTheWall · 09/02/2025 07:54

I wouldn't worry about it. If it broke that's their problem.

Randomsabreur · 09/02/2025 07:58

I have laptop and I pad and was given a sleeve which I use inside my rucksack which has a laptop pocket if the weather is rubbish and I'm doing public transport as it is something else between expensive IT kit and the rain (nothing is truly waterproof). Unfortunately I'm tied to pick up times so I can't wait out a shower on the way back...

TestingTestingWonTooFree · 09/02/2025 08:01

They’ve probably got a cupboard full of regulation ones that no one wanted to use. I prefer to use my own bag.

hopeishere · 09/02/2025 08:02

We don't get issued with them. I found one in the office and used it for a while now I just put it in my work bag. We can expense phone covers and probably a cheap bag for a laptop if you were going to be out and about a lot.

WonderingWanda · 09/02/2025 08:03

Did you not say " Does it come with a case?" When they gave it to you? Have they clearly stated they don't provide the case?

I don't think it's unprofessional but it might be a bit short sighted of them if they refuse and then your laptop gets wet or damaged. By the way, I just looked and there are lots of used laptop bags on marketplace for under a fiver, some even free if money is the issue.

GoodVibesHere · 09/02/2025 08:11

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.

This!

certainagedwoman · 09/02/2025 08:22

In 20 years of using laptops for work, I've never had a case, and never had a problem which a case would've helped with

GoldenSunflowers · 09/02/2025 08:28

All that waste. Some 20 years ago you’d get them at conferences and the kids would get them when you got home.

Newbie8918 · 09/02/2025 08:30

I'm just going to leave this here. It's a list of 'real' problems and whilst it's a tough read, it may give you some perspective.

To ask the hardest thing you have ever been through http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/amiibeingunreasonable/5266531-to-ask-the-hardest-thing-you-have-ever-been-through