Headsets have become a crucial element in the world of hybrid work. Yet for many businesses they’re not a key investment outside of service, support and sales teams. This leaves many employees reliant on personal headphones rather than a headset designed for professional use.
This matters. HP research indicates a direct correlation between employees’ positive attitudes toward work and their having technology that supports hybrid work and fits their work style. At the same time, having the right tools for collaboration is a clear productivity enabler.
So, what makes the difference between a business-grade headset and consumer headphones? Unsurprisingly, it comes down to purpose. Headsets from manufacturers like HP Poly are designed specifically to reflect how people work in the real world. Their features are focused on the needs of business, not providing spatial audio for games and movies or delivering a thumping bass.
In terms of physical design, the priority is all-day comfort over style. Lightweight builds, plush earpads and a carefully balanced grip ensure you can wear them for hours without fatigue, while materials are carefully selected to minimise pressure on the ears and avoid heat build up. Controls are clearly marked and accessible on the either the earcups or within easy reach on an inline module in the cable. With on-ear or over-the-ear headsets, like the HP Poly Mission USB series, boom mics put the microphone close to the mouth, where it can capture a larger signal with less interference from background noise.
Of course, on in-ear headsets that’s not an option, and even boom mics can use additional support. That’s why business-grade headsets may also feature specially designed noise-cancelling microphones or an array of microphones providing different signals, so that the headset can isolate and eliminate background noise. Many HP Poly headsets also feature additional technologies. For instance, HP Poly Acoustic Fence uses microphones and processing to get a sense of the space around the user and keep nearby sounds from competing with their voice. HP Poly NoiseBlock AI uses machine learning to identify common background noises, such as traffic noise or keyboard clicks, and filter them out in real time.
Clearer meetings, less outside noise
Hearing clearly is just as important. The speaker drivers in business-grade headphones can still work for music, but they’ve been tuned to relay everything from two-way calls to larger meetings with maximum clarity, while ensuring that voices come through naturally in a way that doesn’t get tiring. Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) technology also helps by dampening external sound, so users can focus on what’s being said without turning the volume up. What’s more, ANC can make a headset an effective tool outside of calls and meetings, enabling focused productivity in noisy offices and homes.
Different roles and different workers have different needs. Some are primarily desk-based and need a wired USB or DECT headset that provides reliable comfort and connectivity throughout the day. Others are on the go and need a lighter, wireless headset using Bluetooth to work across multiple devices. That’s why HP Poly covers a full range of headset styles and form factors, with a choice of wired, Bluetooth and DECT connectivity to tackle different working styles and environments. There’s no one-size-fits-all here; employees deserve a headset that works for them. Meanwhile, features like TCO certification, paper-based packaging and replacable headband pads and ear cushions can support sustainability initiatives and prolong the headset’s working life.
Finally, business-grade headsets make life easier for IT teams. HP Poly models can be configured and updated easily through the HP Poly Studio app, with options for remote tracking and management so that IT can monitor and maintain their health. They also work seamlessly across all collaboration platforms, with certification for Microsoft Teams, Google Meet, Zoom, Google Voice and Chrome OS.
Every employee needs the right collaboration tools to do their job and to feel fulfilled doing it. To find out more about how HP Poly can help identify them, click here.