Stop Losing Your Badge

One day, we won't need no stinking badges. But, for now, millions of American workers need to wear them every working day. Unfortunately, they tend to get lost or misplaced at the worst possible time. Looking for your badge wastes valuable time in the morning. Even more importantly, a lost badge may allow the finder to gain unauthorized access to a secured workplace. Here are four ways to keep control of your badge.

1. Put your badge in the same place every day. Your badge should be stored in a consistent place when it is not being worn. A designated "landing pad" for your badge is very helpful for ensuring consistent storage. The landing pad is the most important way for a person to get organized and stop being messy. However, many people have success storing their badge in their briefcase or purse.

2. Remove your badge when your workday is done. You can greatly reduce the number of chances to lose your badge, by simply removing your badge when your work day is done. It's easy to find a lost badge at home. However, a badge lost at the grocery store or out walking your dog can be impossible to replace. If your badge only makes a circuit from the house to the car to your office and back, it won't get lost.

3. Secure your badge with high quality hardware. Badge retractors are often cheaply made. They can slide off of a belt loop and they only secure your badge with a thin piece of string. They also wear out over time. Plus, a badge on a retractor can fall off and never be seen or felt. A poorly constructed retractor can result in a lost badge in the most unexpected places. A quality badge wallet can be hung around your neck and store you subway fare cards and other necessities.

4. Wear your badge around your neck. If you truly want to secure your badge, try wearing it around your neck. Most badge lanyards are as thick as a pair of athletic shoe laces. Plus, they present your badge at a height that is readable by security guards, visitors, and co-workers. If you don't want to lose your badge, you need to know where it is at all times.

Losing a badge can be a major inconvenience and a security risk for your employer. Fortunately, by handling your badge in a consistent way and by securing your badge with high quality hardware, you will never have to waste time searching for it again.