Getting the Most From Microsoft Teams With a USB Headset

Now that Microsoft Teams is firmly embedded in all our working lives, it’s worth figuring out how to get the most from a communications platform which will underpin many of our future workplace conversations.

The concept of using a professional USB headset with Microsoft Teams in the office rather than some headphones, may feel a little unusual to some members of the workforce, who perhaps have not had the experience of working in a large call centre, where headsets are essential. In reality however, the right USB headset for Microsoft Teams will not only help you to get the most out of your communication platform, but also your team.

It’s worth saying at this point that not all video conferencing problems can be solved by the use of a headset. Unruly children, pets and parcel deliveries will all continue to be a challenge when working from home, likewise the weekly fire alarm test will still be a challenge in the office too. 

USB Headsets vs Headphones for Microsoft Teams

If you’ve used Microsoft Teams, chances are at some point you’ve used it with headphones of some description, from the cheapest wired options to the latest wireless models with a mic included for good measure.

For some people this experience might seem perfect, big over ear headphones isolating the conversation from the surrounding atmosphere; for others this might be a less exciting proposition with the performance of some built in microphones leaving much to be desired.

Ultimately, there’s a reason why headsets have evolved the way they have in call centres, with their boom arms, on-ear loudspeakers and lightweight design, as people have to use them a lot. The same is true with the modern office environment and digital communications platforms like Microsoft Teams, we use them relentlessly, so why wouldn’t we use the same types of headsets?

If you need more convincing, here are some of the key features of a USB headset for Microsoft Teams.

Better Microphone Positioning

A professional USB headset for Microsoft Teams allows for improved microphone positioning by virtue of having a microphone boom arm. Compared to headphones with built in microphones, the boom arm allows the user to ensure the headset mic is close to the mouth for optimal audio pickup.

Lightweight Design

With a background in call centre applications where prolonged periods of use are common, the best Microsoft Teams USB headsets are lightweight, sturdy and comfortable. This not only makes them easy to wear, but also easy to transport if you’re on the go, compared to often bulky wireless headphones.

Long Cables Mean More Freedom

Compared to cheap wired headphones with an inline mic which are often used by workers when not supplied with an affordable headset option, USB headsets such as the JPL 402S-USB feature a 2 metre cable. This additional cable length means users are free to move as needed and find a good sitting posture, where they may be limited by short headphone cables.

Adaptable Designs

Different people prefer to wear headsets in different ways when communicating online, from the number of earpieces, to which side to have the mic boom and cable. A good quality headset affords a range of wearing styles so that the user can be comfortable in using a headset.

Inline Controls

Perhaps one of the biggest advantages comes from the inline controls which exist on the cables of JPL USB headsets. With volume and mute controls, you can easily prevent conference call faux pas or adjust listening volumes if someone on a call is quiet.

Set Up Your Headset Properly

Working life is busy, meetings, reports, insight and decisions to be made, it’s often too easy to overlook the importance of taking 5 minutes to ensure our headsets are set up properly.

No one wants to be stuck in settings, testing different options to see what works. A headset which features Plug and Play technology is the perfect solution here, no pairing of devices, no third party software, just plug in and get to work.

Of course, while our Plug and Play and software last approach means your USB headset just works, it’s important to still take a moment to ensure your headset is comfortable and well adjusted. We’d also still suggest taking that 5 minutes to discover how to make sure your headset is selected for use in Microsoft Teams too.

Make The Most of Any Headset Features

If you really want to get the most out of your USB headset with Microsoft Teams, familiarisation with any controls which are present on your headset model will bring benefits. Whether that’s volume up/down, mute or other controls, knowing exactly what your headset is capable of will help you to use your headset more effectively.

There’s nothing worse that fidgeting round in a meeting looking for the button to unmute yourself, that’s where these headset features make perfect sense, just one press of a button and voila, un-muted.

Not All Microsoft Teams Issues Are Solved, But Some Are

Some of us love using platforms like Microsoft Teams (or alternative video conference platforms) and others loathe it and despite the benefits that a high quality USB headset can bring, not all of your frustrations will be solved.

If you struggle to share a screen now, that will still be a problem with a headset, though you’ll be able to hear people telling you that they can’t see your screen more easily. But let’s not lose sight of the advantages that a headset brings and in the same way as with an office phone headset, giving your staff the right equipment to do their job will provide longer term benefits.

Discover JPL USB Headsets for Microsoft Teams

JPL have been a driving force in the headset market for years and have developed a range of USB headsets which are perfect for Unified Communications. Get in touch, we’ll listen to your needs and suggest the best solution for your situation, what’s more, if you’re looking for more than 120 units, you can even take a free trial.