Save Your Neck: Break the Phone-Tuck Habit

This article is sponsored by AT&T Cordless Headsets, a proud supporter of OfficeArrow and provider of streamlined communication - freeing users from the confines of their work space and enabling new levels of productivity in the office.

The neck is rarely recognized for all that it does. Think about it: The airway, a portion of the spinal cord, and the blood vessels that supply the brain are all housed within its delicate structure. And yet, most of us forget it's there until we suddenly notice a new wrinkle appearing or a new ache pulsing.

The neck is especially vulnerable to injury. What's more, recovery can be long and pain severe. Why then do we not take better care of it? Picture what your neck goes through on any given day. The strain is immense - extending, twisting, compressing. And the office is the primary scene of the crime.

The Culprit

It happens so quickly, most of us hardly notice we're doing it: The phone-tuck. We cradle the handset between shoulder and ear to free up our hands during a call. Sometimes, we strike this unnatural, strained position for hours a day. And before we know it, neck pain is paying us a visit.

For many of us, the old phone-tuck is a hard habit to break. But it's a worthwhile one to focus on. If you've ever strained the delicate muscles in your neck, you know the "all over" pain it can cause. And, for employers, such injuries can result in increased absenteeism, lost productivity and even workers' compensation claims.

The number one thing you and your employer can do to save the headaches involved with neck injuries is to invest in a cordless headset and avoid the phone-tuck altogether.

The Proof

A recent survey conducted at Santa Clara Valley Medical Center in San Jose, CA concluded that workers can reduce neck, shoulder and upper back muscle tension by as much as 41 percent by using headsets (compared with traditional handsets). Another study, conducted by H.B. Maynard & Company, also confirmed that headsets improve workplace efficiency and productivity as much as 43 percent. Sounds like a win-win solution!

Give It a Shot

Put on an AT&T Cordless Headset and try it out for a while. Notice how it feels to talk on the phone without tilting your head and without balancing the handset between your shoulder and chin. With its lightweight, comfortable fit, you'll likely forget it's there. You can even choose how to wear it (over the ear, around the neck, or over the head).

Plus, with a cordless headset you're not confined to your desk. Wired headsets can actually be the cause of neck injury. Believe me, I know from experience: If you forget you're wearing a wired headset, you may be yanked violently back into reality if you roam too far. Go cordless, then get up and move around! Stretch at your desk. Stand and simply allow your muscles to relax. Walk around. With AT&T Cordless Headsets, you've got unsurpassed range, so you can wander up to 500 feet from the base of the phone and still enjoy crystal-clear reception.

So, go on - unchain yourself from your desk and vow to avoid the phone-tuck. You'll be amazed by how much better you feel both physically and mentally.

Experience the next generation of office communication with the AT&T TL7610 cordless headset. Perfect for small offices/home offices and any professional who relies on the phone as a critical business tool, the versatile AT&T cordless headset provides comfortable, clear and cord-free conversations.