Choosing Jabra headsets for Teams in a 6-person open office
By Jordan Ellis Updated 9 min read
On this page (8 sections)
- Key takeaways
- Selecting Jabra headsets for Teams in an open office with 1 manager and 5 staff
- How to buy a Polycom speaker-compatible headset for a specific Polycom phone model
- Why active noise cancellation matters in a 6-person open office
- Common mistakes when choosing headsets for open office Teams calls
- How to choose the right Jabra headset model for each team member
- Setting up Jabra headsets with Polycom phones and Teams for best results
- Questions people still ask
In short: For a 6-person open office with Teams and a Polycom phone, choose Jabra Engage 75 headsets for staff and a Jabra Evolve2 85 for the manager; both models offer active noise cancellation and Polycom phone compatibility via USB and desk phone connections.
Part of our guide on managing hybrid teams remote shift
Stop office noise from ruining Teams calls by choosing Jabra headsets made for your open office setup and Polycom phone.
| Team size | 6 people |
|---|---|
| Noise cancellation | Active Noise Cancellation |
| Jabra Engage 75 battery | up to 13 hrs talk |
| Jabra Evolve2 85 battery | up to 37 hrs talk |
| Polycom phone compatibility | USB and desk phone |
Key takeaways
- Match headset models to user roles and noise levels.
- Confirm Polycom phone compatibility by checking connection type.
- Jabra Engage 75 suits staff for open office noise control.
- Jabra Evolve2 85 fits managers needing premium ANC and multitasking.
- Avoid wired-only models if flexibility or multiple devices are needed.
Selecting Jabra headsets for Teams in an open office with 1 manager and 5 staff
A 6-person open office creates constant ambient noise, usually 60-70 dB, which disrupts Teams calls and reduces productivity. Selecting headsets with active noise cancellation (ANC) rated for open offices is crucial to manage this.
Managers typically need headsets with superior ANC and microphone clarity for multitasking and longer calls, while staff require models balancing noise reduction with comfort for frequent use.
Jabra headsets offer wireless models combining ANC and compatibility with Microsoft Teams and desk phones, including Polycom. The key is matching the headset to the role and office noise to ensure call clarity without fatigue.
Before purchasing, confirm your Polycom phone connection type (RJ9, USB, or Bluetooth) as Jabra models interface differently. This step avoids incompatibility that ruins setup. We cover which chat app fits your team in its own article.
| Model | Role fit | ANC level | Connectivity | Battery life (talk time) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jabra Engage 75 | Staff | Moderate – good open office | USB + desk phone | Up to 13 hours |
| Jabra Evolve2 65 | Staff | Moderate | USB, Bluetooth | Up to 37 hours |
| Jabra Evolve2 85 | Manager | High – premium ANC | USB, Bluetooth, desk phone | Up to 37 hours |
How to buy a Polycom speaker-compatible headset for a specific Polycom phone model
Polycom phones typically use RJ9 or USB for headset connections. Jabra Engage series supports RJ9 and USB desk phones, making them good candidates for compatibility.
To ensure a headset works with a specific Polycom model, check the phone’s user manual or physical ports to confirm if it supports RJ9, USB, or Bluetooth headsets.
If the phone has only RJ9, use a Jabra Engage 75 or 65 with an RJ9 cable. For USB models, Jabra Evolve2 series headsets can connect directly. Bluetooth-compatible Polycom phones allow wireless pairing with Jabra Bluetooth models. The other half of this decision is polycom phone speaker for group calls.
An adapter cable may be necessary if the headset and phone connectors differ. Always verify that Jabra officially supports the phone model or offers compatible accessories.
Some Polycom models feature both RJ9 and USB ports, offering flexibility in headset choice. For example, the Polycom VVX 601 supports USB headsets and RJ9, allowing selection of Jabra models accordingly. In such cases, evaluate whether the office workflow benefits more from wired RJ9 connections, which offer stable call quality, or USB connections that enable advanced features like firmware updates and Teams integration.
When using USB connections, ensure your PC or desk phone firmware supports the headset model. Jabra frequently updates firmware to improve compatibility and fix bugs. For instance, if the phone firmware is outdated, the headset may not deliver expected call control functions or audio quality, which can be confirmed by checking the Jabra Direct software status.
- Identify your Polycom phone model number.
- Check the headset port type(s) on the phone (RJ9, USB, Bluetooth).
- Select Jabra headset models compatible with those connections.
- Purchase necessary adapter cables if connection types differ.
- Test headset compatibility before deploying to the team.
Why active noise cancellation matters in a 6-person open office
Open offices generate a baseline noise level of about 60-70 dB, including chatter, typing, and movement. This noise lowers Teams call quality and strains concentration.
ANC headsets reduce ambient noise by about 15-25 dB depending on model and fit. For 6 people, ANC must be strong enough to suppress multiple simultaneous voices while preserving speech clarity.
Passive noise isolation alone (ear cushions) is insufficient in such environments. ANC with a boom mic that cancels background noise is key for clear two-way communication.
Jabra’s ANC technology filters noise actively. Models differ: the Engage 75 targets open offices with good ANC at a mid-range price, while the Evolve2 85 offers premium ANC and mic performance for managers.
- Noise level: average 60-70 dB in office
- ANC reduction: 15-25 dB depending on headset
- Ideal mic: noise-cancelling boom mic for speech clarity
Common mistakes when choosing headsets for open office Teams calls
Many buyers assume wired headsets always offer better audio but overlook mobility needs and cable tangling in shared desks.
Ignoring Polycom phone compatibility leads to costly returns or unusable setups.
Believing passive noise isolation suffices causes unclear calls when multiple staff talk simultaneously.
Overinvesting in top-end headsets for all staff wastes budget; some roles don’t require premium ANC.
Failing to test headset fit and user comfort results in poor adoption and frequent replacements.
Another common error is underestimating the importance of regular software updates. Teams and Polycom phone firmware updates can alter headset compatibility or introduce new features requiring headset firmware upgrades. Without updating, users may notice call drops, button malfunctions, or poor audio quality.
Ignoring the impact of office layout on headset performance is also frequent. For example, placing staff too close together without considering headset ANC capabilities can cause cross-talk or background noise leakage, making calls unintelligible despite good hardware.
Selecting headsets solely on price rather than role-based needs can backfire. For instance, equipping a manager who spends 6 hours daily on calls with a basic model lacking multi-device connectivity can reduce productivity and cause frustration. Conducting a needs analysis before purchase avoids this pitfall.
| Myth | Fact |
|---|---|
| Wired headsets always sound better | Wireless with proper ANC equals or surpasses wired audio quality |
| All headsets fit all phones | Polycom compatibility varies; verify connection types |
| Passive noise isolation is enough | Active noise cancellation is required for open offices |
| Everyone needs premium ANC | Tailor headset to role noise exposure and call frequency |
How to choose the right Jabra headset model for each team member
For the manager, select a headset like the Jabra Evolve2 85 offering premium ANC, multi-device connectivity (USB, Bluetooth, desk phone), and long battery life (up to 37 hours), supporting heavy multitasking and management calls.
Staff benefit from Jabra Engage 75, which pairs good ANC with desk phone and USB connectivity, plus a comfortable wireless design supporting roughly 13 hours of talk time per charge.
Consider the noise exposure each role faces: staff near noisy areas or in frequent calls need stronger ANC models; those with occasional calls may use lower-cost Evolve2 65 models.
Evaluate user preferences for wireless freedom versus fixed desk setups. Wireless reduces cable clutter and supports movement but requires charging and initial pairing.
Test headsets for comfort, microphone clarity, and compatibility with your Polycom phone before bulk purchase.
| Model | User role | ANC level | Connectivity | Battery life | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Evolve2 85 | Manager | High, premium | USB, Bluetooth, desk phone | Up to 37 hrs | Heavy calls, multitasking |
| Engage 75 | Staff | Moderate | USB, desk phone | Up to 13 hrs | Open office noise, desk phone use |
| Evolve2 65 | Staff | Moderate | USB, Bluetooth | Up to 37 hrs | Mixed device use, moderate noise |
Setting up Jabra headsets with Polycom phones and Teams for best results
Connect Jabra headsets to Polycom phones using the correct interface: RJ9 for Engage 75, USB for Evolve2 series, or Bluetooth where supported.
Install Jabra Direct software to manage firmware updates and optimize Teams integration, ensuring call controls work seamlessly on the headset buttons.
Calibrate microphone positioning to reduce background noise pickup and test call audio quality in your actual open office environment.
Train staff on switching between Teams on PC and desk phone calls if required, using headset multi-device connectivity features.
Schedule regular maintenance checks for battery health and headset hygiene to sustain clarity and comfort long-term.
When setting up Jabra headsets with Polycom phones, it’s advisable to perform a staged rollout. Start with one or two units to identify any unforeseen compatibility or user training issues. For example, test call transfers and hold functions to ensure headset buttons respond correctly, as misconfiguration can disrupt workflows.
In Teams, ensure that the selected headset is set as the default audio device in both Windows sound settings and the Teams app. Failure to do so can lead to calls using PC speakers or microphones, negating the headset's noise cancellation benefits.
Regularly review headset battery status via Jabra Direct or the headset’s indicator lights. For instance, the Engage 75 displays low battery warnings well before depletion, allowing timely charging and preventing call interruptions during peak office hours.
- Identify connection type on Polycom phone.
- Plug in headset or pair via Bluetooth accordingly.
- Install and update Jabra Direct software on PCs.
- Configure Teams settings to recognize the headset.
- Test calls to confirm audio and microphone performance.
The Jabra Engage 75 and Evolve2 85 together provide the best balance of noise cancellation, Polycom compatibility, and user comfort for a 6-person open office.
Questions people still ask
Can I use any Jabra headset with any Polycom phone?
No. Polycom phones have different connection types such as RJ9, USB, or Bluetooth. You must verify the phone’s headset port and choose a Jabra model that supports that connection or use proper adapters.
Is active noise cancellation necessary in a 6-person open office?
Yes. Open offices have ambient noise typically 60-70 dB that passive isolation cannot fully block. ANC reduces background noise 15-25 dB improving call clarity significantly.
How do I know which Jabra headset suits a manager versus staff?
Managers benefit from models with premium ANC, longer battery life, and multi-device connectivity like the Evolve2 85. Staff can use mid-level ANC models like Engage 75 for balanced performance and cost.
What if my Polycom phone only supports RJ9 connectors?
In that case, choose Jabra Engage series headsets which support RJ9 desk phone connections. Avoid USB-only models as they won’t connect without adapters.
How do I test if the headset works well in my open office?
Make test calls during typical office noise periods and verify both outgoing and incoming audio clarity. Adjust mic position and software settings before full deployment.