WHY USE A HEADSET?
Why use a headset-Here are a few good reasons why the use of telephone, switchboard or call-centre headset makes good sense.
Firstly,for medical and comfort reasons: Holding the telephone handset between your cheek and shoulder when writing or typing on a PC keyboard increases your risk of suffering a stroke? Plus, about a 41% increase in shoulder tension, upper back and neck pain. You increase the risk of suffering a stroke because you restrict blood flow to the brain. This apart from getting a stiff neck.
Secondly,be more productive: A headset user is on average 43% more productive since they make fewer mistakes, give better service and are able to multitask thus being more efficient and saving the company costs. They can also handle on average 16 calls more per day than a call centre agent without a headset which translates into thousands of extra calls per annum for busy call centres.
Thirdly, Telephone Efficiency goes up: Save both time and money and have a healthier and happier work environment (less aches and pains). The headset allows more flexibility and freedom of movement, thus increasing telephone efficiency. Customers get handled in a more professional less cranky way thus making the entire process more friendly and satisfying.
Finally, in the USA health policies stipulate that a person who spends more than 20% of his working day on the telephone is required by law to equip that person with a headset. South Africa will soon be following in the steps of the US making the wearing of headsets mandatory.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NOISE AND NON-NOISE REDUCTION HEADSETS?
‘Noise Canceling’ is a commonly used term by manufacturers of headsets and this is virtually impossible. Thus a more apt term to use would be ‘Noise Reduction’.
Noise reduction headsets are usually more expensive than the non-noise reduction (omni-directional) units. Why? Because special microphones are fitted to these headsets, designed to eliminate or suppress background and ambient noises. Having a noise reducing headset is thus a huge benefit to large call centres with agents sitting in close proximity. Background noise elimination or suppression can vary from one make of headset model to the next by as much as 90%.
IMPORTANT: CHOOSE THE RIGHT HEADSET!
Things to look out for when choosing a headset:
-Where is the headset to be used?
-Is the person going to share a small working environment?
-What about background noise-air conditioners,road noise,automation etc
IMPORTANT: CHOOSE THE RIGHT SUPPLIER!
Choosing a headset can be confusing with so many products on offer.
A lot of products may appear sleek and stylish but ultimately the warranty speaks volumes for the true quality of the headset on offer.
Rather choose a supplier who has a good warranty period of at least one year with a decent swopout and exchange policy. Cheap can prove frustrating and irritating in the long run. So now you know “why use a headset”. Happy shopping!
