Poly | Tools of the Interconnected Hybrid Worker

Strong communication between stakeholders is the foundation of success in any business, wherever it takes place. The hybrid worker’s toolkit must then include accessories that maintain this kind of strength, wherever the office ends up being.

Cafes, public libraries, village squares… planes, trains, rickshaws… like every good secret home office agent, I’ve learned to assemble and disassemble my workstation with my eyes closed and my hands tied, all while taking calls and remaining “online” and “available”. With such mobility though, I need gear that are backpack, briefcase, and carry-on ready, every day. For my hybrid work needs, there is one brand in particular that checks all the boxes, for quality, accessibility, durability, and style.

Formerly Plantronics, it rebranded itself to Poly after acquiring Polycom in 2018. A few years later, in mid-2022, Poly was acquired by HP and this new business and technology combination continues to expand. Not only is its e-commerce footprint growing, but also its reach into the physical retail space, thus giving us as customers a wider range of procurement options. This is especially helpful for customers new to the brand, or a particular product within it, who have much to consider when buying things that will be used for extended parts of their workdays. Sometimes we just need to try something on, to experience it, before we make it ours. Other times, we just know. Poly provides the hybrid worker with the kind of accessories that, if you don’t just know them already, you will once you experience them.

Headsets

Like me, perhaps you are a hand talker, even when no one is around. Maybe you also like to pace back and forth as you speak, like a Roman rhetorician. Dial in without being wired into all your conversations and meetings with the Voyager 4300 UC Series headsets from Poly. Pace your stage with up to 50 meters, or 164 feet of Bluetooth wireless range as you take on those extended calls. Connect with ease to your PC, Mac, or mobile, and even your desk phone with Office base connectivity (sold separately). Maintain control of your battery’s lifespan with the option to use it corded and keep the noise and interruption silencing to a minimum with dual-mic Acoustic Fence technology – an audio evolution that eliminates background noise and prevents your audio from dropping when you and your co-caller speak simultaneously.

The Voyager 4310 Single Ear Headphones with Mic USB-A/C connector come in at $199.99, while the bestselling Voyager 4320 Bluetooth Headphones with Mic USB-A/C connector, come to you at $229.99. As always, I like options with different features and price points.

Another headset option for the astute workday conversationalist, and one especially plagued by noisy surroundings, is the Voyager Focus UC BT Headphones with Mic & Charger Stand. Simply put the headset on to answer calls and mute everything by taking it off. Precision-tuned triple-mics, a stereo option, and 98 feet (30 meters) of range give you all the support you need for those expansive and important calls. Talk comfortably while you ensconce your ears in leatherette cushions wrapped around pillow-soft memory foam, with a durable metal headband, cushioned for comfort and fit. Coming in modestly higher at $249.99, or add another 20 meters of range and sharpen the audio quality to the peaks of modern sound technology with the state-of-the-art Voyager Focus 2 UC BT Headphones with Mic and Charger Stand USB-A/C connector, coming in at $339.99.

Wired Headsets

As with all things good, there’s a time and place. Those looking for an affordable and durable backup for their wireless headsets should consider the Blackwire 5200 Series. This set provides high-quality wired options for calls and simply listening, with quality every bit as sophisticated as that of the wireless options touched on above. The Blackwire 5C220 Wired On-Ear Headphones with USB-A connector come with monoaural and stereo options at $89.99, while Thee Blackwire C3220 Wired Headphones with USB-A and 3.5mm connector, also with monoaural and stereo options, and with variations of USB and USB-C in connectivity options, comes in at $109.99.

Speakerphones

Sometimes I want to go ear-free, even when taking a call at a cafe or restaurant, but the audio quality suffers as the surrounding noise gets louder. With Poly headsets, you can take your office with you anywhere, and with Poly Speakerphones, you can bring your conference room with you as well. The Speakerphone maintains the authenticity of an in-person meeting, with both Bluetooth and USB-A/C connectivity. As with the headsets, people can talk simultaneously without canceling each other out. What really impresses me though is simply the quality of the audio that comes through it – sit back with the rich and resonating sounds afforded by the bass reflex system with dual passive radiators. And comfortably pull those full days without energy fears on a battery that stays charged for up to 20 hours.

Two versions are highlighted here, both of which include touch-sensitive buttons with clear LED indicators – the Sync 10 Speakerphone with USB-A/C connector, coming in at $134.99, and the Sync 20 Teams Portable Speakerphone with USB-A/C connector, coming in at $164.99.

Physical offices still provide substantial value by helping companies maintain the integrity of communication between co-workers and internal stakeholders. The in-person aspect of teamwork will always have value, but undeniably it is the audio component that must be maintained as the primary conveyance of information in meetings and calls. Exclusive in-office work, however, comes at the expense of a worker’s personal autonomy. With communication technology from Poly, this trade-off vanishes, as you surprise yourself with audio communication as clear and present as that of an in-person meeting. As with all your communication accessories, visit Cesium Telecomm today and get to just know Poly for yourself, if you don’t know them already.