The current state of the workplace is in flux due to the COVID-19 Pandemic. At the beginning of the Pandemic, workers were sent to work from home at a rapid pace, with no idea when they would return. While some organizations have begun to bring back 100% of their staff, and others have completely moved to a work from home model, it appears that a hybrid method of working may be the best solution, according to surveys given to employees asking their preferences.

Hybrid working involves both locations: employees work some days each week in the office and spend the other days working from home so that the staff on premises is staggered and never at 100% occupancy to keep the workplace safe. In these hybrid work environments, audio tools that are flexible and can travel with you make the most sense.

If you work in a dedicated office space at home, and then travel into the office for meetings in conference rooms, Poly's new Sync 40 and Sync 40+ speakerphones may be the right audio device for you. The Sync 40s connect to computers via the combined USB-A and USB-C cable and smartphone via Bluetooth.

Daisy chain two Sync 40s together

Turn larger meeting spaces into professional-sounding conference rooms when you wirelessly pair two units together. When the Sync 40s are paired, you get bigger volume, more microphones, and wider voice pickup. Use two Poly Sync speakerphones with your Bluetooth-paired mobile device. Linking mode is available with Bluetooth mobile device connection only. (when connecting wirelessly to PC or smartphone via Bluetooth). Linking mode can be entered when both speakerphones are inactive (not in a call or streaming media).

• Your device will be ready to go for up to 30 hours of talk time.

• Access your favorite function — play/pause music, last-number redial, voice assistant and more — with a touch of the programmable rocket button. For use in common areas, the button can be programmed to manually clear previously paired Bluetooth devices.

• Never miss a word with multiple microphone array and full duplex audio. Workers stay productive with a high-performance, large music speaker for immersive multimedia.

• IP64 dust and water resistant. Protect your investment from everyday hazards.

• Two highly visible status light bars for 360 degree call status indication

• Microsoft Teams version supports easy collaboration and communication with a dedicated Teams button that gives you instant access to the Teams App.

• Keep your smartphone charged and ready for use.

• Take calls from anywhere —an internal battery allows up to 30 hours of talk time. A convenient charge stand is also available as an additional purchase.

• MSRP: $299.95 / $349.95 for "+" versions

Our customer care team can help you decide which Sync 40/40+ model you need. As a stocking reseller, we ship out all in-stock product the same day, on orders received before 3 p.m. CT. Our convenient location in the center of the U.S. means that shipping times are quick!

Call our team at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us.

When the Pandemic caused businesses to close last spring, many employees were sent home with a computer, a few office supplies, and no idea of when they would be able to return to the building. Communication devices such as headsets, speakers, and cameras (if they were even considered) were haphazardly ordered, or employees were left to use their personal ear buds and the built-in cameras in laptops.

Now that we've had some time to work through these issues and many employees remain in their home work spaces, they most likely are continuing to use the same thrown-together set-ups that they were sent home with in the spring. With the benefit of this past year as a teacher, we have a better idea of what works at home, and find many companies and individuals are starting to think of ways to enhance their WFH experience. We’ve put together some products for you to consider that will surely improve your work from home setup.

Wireless Headset

To experience complete silence while working, we recommend the Jabra Evolve 75 headset with Active Noise Canceling. It connects to both computers (with the included Link 370 USB adapter) and mobile phones via Bluetooth. The hear through feature lets you listen in to your surroundings, without removing the headset. We like the option to walk and talk, so you're able to take your calls on the go (up to 100 feet), whether it's to the kitchen to grab a glass of water, or to answer the front door to accept your FedEx package. The large, cushioned leatherette ear cushions rest comfortably on your ears for even the longest of calls and Zoom meetings. When you need to work in a new location, the included hard-sided zippered carry case will protect the Evolve 75 on the go. Available in both UC and Microsoft variants, you can also purchase the headset with a charging stand, if you would like to have a convenient place to store and charge the headset on a desk, when not in use.

Corded Headset

Jabra Engage 50 mono, or Engage 50 duo, and the optional Link call control take communication to a new level. The Engage 50 is a digital headset with a powerful processing chip in the ear cup that delivers advanced functionality including call analytic data. The 3-microphone system with intelligent noise-cancelation blocks out background noise and breathing sounds, so customers hear only the agents voice thereby delivering a superior call experience, whether you work from home or a physical contact center. The call control unit accessory enables agents to adjust volume levels and mute, speed dial, answer and end calls, and update their status lights at the touch of a button. The control unit is easy to use and designed to stay in place. Two programmable buttons can be customized in Jabra Direct; out of the box they are programmed for Speed Dial and Busylight (green: available; red; busy). The volume dial, and mute and answer/end buttons are intuitively placed and easy to use at a touch. There are Microsoft Teams-certified and UC variants in both USB-A and USB-C options. The Engage 50 headset ends in a USB-C connection, so if you are using these headsets in a computer with USB-A sockets only, you will need to purchase a Link unit.

We recommend the Engage 50 if you take calls and participate in team meetings primarily from your computer, and do not use a desk or mobile phone.

Speakerphone

If you're working in a private space, you will be able to use a speakerphone. We recommend the Poly Sync 40 or Sync 40+ models and you can find all of the Sync 40 variants, here: Poly Sync 40 Speakerphones.

Turn smaller or flexible spaces into powerful conference rooms; the Sync 40 provides premium sound. The multi-microphone array focuses on what’s being said and helps keep echo and noise out of meetings. And, full duplex audio lets conversations flow naturally, even when users talk over each other.

We like the flexibility that the Sync 40 offers. You can connect to either USB-A or USB-C computers with the same unit, thanks to the integrated cable that has both connections included. The Sync 40+ models include the BT600 USB dongle and a USB-A to USB-C adapter. When you go into the office, you can wirelessly pair two units together for larger meeting space needs.

It is certified for Zoom and Microsoft Teams, for seamless experiences, as well as other major UC communication platforms.

Camera

For a clear picture on all of your Teams and Zoom calls, we recommend the JPL Vision Mini camera, which is a diminutive device with some great features, including automatic low light correction, integrated privacy cover and 2-year warranty. The Field of View is 67° and you have full 360° camera rotation including 90° tilt for over-desk viewing.

The plug-and-play Vision Mini is designed to suit the way you like to make a video call, whether it’s one to one or conference, you can place the Vision Mini webcam where you want it - on a computer monitor, desktop or tripod. It is compatible with all major platforms and the price is pretty nice: $49.95 MSRP.

Busylight

Use this at home now, and in the office when/if you return. The design of the Omega Kuando Busylight makes it highly visible from across a room and is an instant notification of your status: Red for Busy; Green for Available; and other colors that can be programmed to suit your work style. It will also: Ring and flash on incoming calls; Beep & flash – Indication for IMs; and there's a Flash notification for missed calls/IMs. Everyone can benefit from an Omega Busylight at their work space.

We have become quite adept at collaborating with colleagues, customers, and students from a distance, and these products will raise your communications game — whether you remain at home, or return to the office building. Contact our team for personalized recommendations to elevate your communication devices at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now.

The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the work place: some were sent home to work and will stay there; others working in the office have new rules to follow.

To limit virus spread, the CDC recommends limited face-to-face contact. As people return to the office, the CDC-recommended social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” (keeping a safe space between yourself and other people who are not from your household) is in effect. To practice this distancing, workers must stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from others.

For call centric employees, side by side training is a necessity; yet, how can we accomplish this in the office, at a safe distance?

Fortunately, the technology in most DECT wireless headsets allows "call conferencing" between units. This is a great feature that allows employees to drop into calls for training or conference call purposes, with minimal contact.

Call training is easy — and safe — when you use wireless headsets.

Here's how:

1. Remove the primary/host headset from the base.

2. Drop the secondary/guest headset into the headset cradle. The host headset will hear a tone to accept the new headset. The host headset will click the "Answer/End" button.

3. Remove the guest headset from the host base. The headsets are now paired and ready to work together. This process can be repeated for an additional 2 headsets, for a total of 4 headsets on the same call.

4. The guest headset can be muted for listening purposes; simply unmute if necessary.

5. To end the conference/pairing feature, press the End button on the primary/host headset. It's that simple!

If you deploy corded headsets to your employees, you’ll want to explore options beyond traditional side by side training. Perhaps your current softphone solution offers listen-in type features that you can take advantage of for training purposes.

For questions about wireless headsets in the contact center environment, or suggestions for the best wireless headsets for your unique set-up, call our Headset Experts at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now!

Poly's new white paper brings together thought leadership for what it calls the "Next Normal," which puts people first, to empower them in productive work environments — wherever the physical space may be. According to Poly, "2020 will be the catalyst for hybrid working, offering employees flexibility and choice, driving productivity through collaboration and communication." Basically, creating environments that foster productivity, collaboration, innovation and safety.

The digital transformation ensures consistent work experiences that will react to the crisis and mitigate any harm to the business.

Policies and procedures that support both the business and individual, in a "People First" culture as Poly calls it, will prove to be mutually beneficial.


Interestingly, Poly found that 85% of businesses surveyed believe that greater location flexibility has lead to an increase in productivity.

What can we expect in the "Next Normal?"

• Home office spaces built into residences
• Increased flexible work across locations
• Recruitment over larger demographic (and perhaps geographic) areas
• Work from home, meet in the office, bringing everyone together virtually
• Smaller company footprints over more dispersed locations
• Seamless work flows between home and office
• Technology designed for ease of use with personal devices
• Necessary business travel only

The only certainty? The core components of any organization: practices, workspace, and culture, will change as we transition into the "next normal." This won't be easy, but evolving to suit the needs of people and organizations will be worth it.

For more information about Hybrid Working, read Hybrid Working: Creating the "Next Normal" in Work Practices, Spaces and Culture, a resource from Poly.

If you need communication tools to support your work style, reach out to our Headset Experts at 1-866-998-9991 or Chat us now!

We are moving to a work-from-home situation across the world. For those who haven't set up a home office yet, here are our suggestions for a productive space to work during this modern-day pandemic.

The best option for home work is to close yourself off in a dedicated office space, or a quiet out-of-the-way bedroom. If you have younger children who need you near, you may be working in the middle of the family at the kitchen table. In either situation, a headset with a noise-canceling microphone is a must! We offer headsets with both noise-canceling and ultra noise-canceling microphones, for extreme noise cancellation.

We recommend an Active Noise Canceling headset for complete concentration, and with a variety of wearing styles and connection types, there's guaranteed to be a headset that works for you. The Jabra Evolve 80, pictured above, is a USB and 3.5mm headset with large ear cushions that completely surround the ear; and with ANC, and Busylights on the ear cups, it's a great choice for productive working and clear calls.

Other work at home tips:

•Don't sit in the same place all day. Get up and move! Wireless headsets let you walk and talk.
•Take a lunch break ... but don't extend it to all-day grazing. No need to gain weight in your comfies while you enjoy unlimited snacks from the pantry.
•Speaking of comfies, you may find that you accomplish more when you're not wearing pajamas or sweats. That's something you'll have to test for yourself.
•Take breaks ... but not too many. Turn off notifications for any non-essential tasks (such as social media) so you can focus on what needs to be done.
•When it's time to take a break, walk around outside for a few minutes. Get a change of scenery and clear your thoughts.
•Take advantage of collaboration tools and communicate with your co-workers regularly. A quick conversation can go a long way to building relationship, and don't forget to have team meetings to keep everyone connected and informed.

Take heart! This quarantine cannot last forever, and may provide you the time necessary for personal reflection and family connection that we typically don't get in our usual daily lives. And, once we get the "all-clear" to return to our work spaces, we go with the knowledge that we can conquer anything! (And now have a GREAT headset to work with!)

Call or Chat us now for recommendations! We are your Headset Experts.