Flexible working has now become a reality and has brought with it increased recognition that individuals have both specific requirements and preferences for the equipment they use. A lot depends on job function, but workplace personas are becoming of greater performance in determining what technology to provide users. For instance, those that are on calls or in virtual meeting for much of the day may prefer lightweight devices or headsets that prioritise comfort over portability. Conversely, those that work from home might prioritise noise-cancellation or style.
“As we start to come out of lockdowns the focus for us is premiumisation,” explains Judith Hogan, the EMEA Director for Headsets Sales at Poly.
“After the global proof of concept of flexible working that we’ve seen in the last year, people now have preferences and those that never used a headset before now know what they want. This familiarity means the pitfalls have been exposed alongside the benefits and people want devices that are comfortable, are going to last and are fit for their purpose”
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Judith Hogan[/caption]
As back-to-work picks up the pace some organisations are taking the opportunity to allow more flexibility in terms of where people work and there is a willingness to invest in equipment to enable this. “A lot of organisations recognise that savings can be made in real estate and there is a willingness to invest in the tools people need to work flexibly,” adds Hogan. “Features such as wireless connectivity enabled by Bluetooth along with noise-cancelling and acoustic fence functions associated with more premium products are now being made available to different workplace personalities.”
Hogan illustrates the diversity of headsets available by highlighting Poly’s Voyager products which utilise Bluetooth and are designed to accommodate different wearing styles, offering comfort plus a stylish appearance. She emphasises that different jobs demand different functionality. “Our Savi DECT series recently added the 7300 range which offers a higher level of encryption for legal and finance industry deployments and also offers longer talk time and better range,” she explains. “It’s important that the equipment is there to enable people to live the dream of flexible working.”