Even before remote working became the hottest trend of the generation, headsets were a must-have. Whether in contact centres or back-end offices, the right equipment is essential. A good headset can block out distractions, bring clarity to a call, and boost productivity.
Now that mobile working and open offices are more popular, headsets are more valuable than ever. It’s almost impossible for an employee to ensure that they’ll always be in a place free from distraction. Yet a good headset can ensure a bustling business doesn’t lead to communication issues.
Modern headsets equipped with everything from busy lights to noise cancellation transform how we work. These tools aren’t just an appealing option for modern workers. If you want to stay focused in the current landscape, you need a headset.
Here’s an introduction to what UC headsets can do, and where the market’s heading.
What is a UC Headset?
Unlike your standard iPod earbuds or a gaming headset, UC devices come with distinct features. These are tools designed specifically for business use. Vendors are working constantly to make UC headsets more comfortable and intuitive than ever. According to Grandview Research, the market for business headsets will be worth $4,315.1 million by the end of 2025. As we move further away from heavy and uncomfortable headset designs, the demand for headsets is growing.
Employees are discovering that whether they’re in an office or on the move, their headsets can help them get more done. UC headsets have special features. They include integrations with collaboration tools and AI tools. Aside from delivering clear sound during calls and meetings, UC headsets also have features like:
- Active noise cancellation (ANC) to block out the sound of any background
- Voice recognition to help make conversations clearer for your customers
- Voice assistant support, so you can control your headset with just your words
- Multiple design options for all-day comfort
- Integrations with collaboration tools like Microsoft Teams
- Wireless performance so you don’t have to stay tethered to your desk
- Busy lights and status integrations to let your team know when you’re in a call
Today’s UC headsets are more intelligent than they’ve ever been. Your headset can automatically detect when you’re in a call and block out external noise that might reduce call quality. At the same time, the tool will also inform your colleagues on a collaboration app that you’re not available to chat. These tools can even redirect other calls that come through your UC system.
The Rising Demand for UC Headsets
Headsets in the Unified Communications landscape are versatile and efficient. These tools support employees in having better conversations. It doesn’t matter whether you’re buying a headset for your contact centre employee, or an office worker. The right device will eliminate distractions and improve performance.
As today’s employees look for more flexibility from work, headset designs are changing. Leaders in this marketplace are spending more time working on more durable, comfortable designs. After all, the average contact centre worker may need to wear the same headset all day long. Supporting team wellbeing means choosing a headset your employee feels comfortable in.
Modern UC headsets are flexible too. There are wired devices for people who spend all of their time at a screen. Or you can invest in wireless headsets with enough battery life to last all day. Even the wireless solutions promise excellent voice and audio quality. Plus, devices in all styles include options to access advanced technology.
Many vendors are experimenting with things like AI assistants that can help team members to get more work done. Advanced headsets can recognise voice requests, set up meetings, and record with a single command. This means that employees can accomplish more without struggling with too much stress.
The Future of UC Headsets
As the possibilities of audio technology evolve, so too does the potential of UC headsets. Today’s devices offer benefits like active noise cancelling and AI integrations. Tomorrows solutions could be even more impressive. Imagine a headset that can automatically translate languages to your native tongue in real-time. Or what about a headset that can block out all other noise with a relaxing sound-scape? That’s just the beginning of what today’s vendors are exploring.
5G and stronger Wi-Fi will unlock new headset opportunities. The future of wireless UC headsets could become even more impressive. Latency-free connections mean we could enter a world where headsets become visual, as well as auditory. Already, there are examples of VR and AR headsets entering the consumer market. There’s plenty of opportunity here for business vendors too.
Intelligent software inside headsets could even make our conversations smarter. An AI algorithm could intelligently filter human voice through a microphone. This means that your customer wouldn’t have to struggle to hear you over background noise. A machine learning system trained to recognise biometric markers could support workplace security.
Some business leaders are already experimenting with things like natural language processing. NLP and natural language understanding could play a part in the future of UC headsets. In the years to come, we’ll continue to discover new ways that filters and the technology within them can filter out toll fraud.
Investing in the Right UC Headset
Unified Communication headsets are a valuable part of any team’s toolkit. Whether you’re supporting a remote team working from different environments, or an in-office group, headsets are key. However, just like many things in the UC world, there’s no one-size-fits-all solution.
Some companies will need UC headsets with all the latest technology. Large enterprises will have different needs to smaller organisations. Some bigger brands might want to jump straight into advanced tech like AI. Smaller companies may prefer to keep costs low, while still empowering team members. There’s no right way to unlock the benefits of headsets for your team.
Whichever direction you choose for your UC headset investment, the need for these critical tools isn’t going anywhere. In an age of constant mobility and evolution, headsets are a must-have for your workforce.
