The days when a company simply bought a pile of padlocks and hung them on a row of metal cabinets are actually over. Nowadays, management and the user experience for staff are much more important in workspaces. With hybrid working now the norm, employees expect their belongings to be stored safely and easily.
You need to consider the price-quality ratio in 2026. Entry-level prices start around €145 for a basic steel cabinet, but requirements are often more complex. To avoid disappointment, it is wise to first look closely at what is available on the market. Even within the simplest lockers, there are often surprising differences in steel thickness and lock comfort.
The basics of purchasing: material and locks
When choosing a locker, it really starts with the material. Steel is the classic choice and often the cheapest option, as you might expect. However, if you place lockers in a damp space like a changing room in a gym or a swimming pool, steel is not always the best friend. In those cases, companies are increasingly choosing HPL, a material that is much better at resisting moisture, but for which you immediately pay a lot more.
Then there are the locks. The cheapest option is still the simple flap lock where you can hang a padlock. Convenient for the wallet, but it is often a hassle with key management. If a member of staff loses a key, you lose money and time. Therefore, you see that in 2026, electronic locks are increasingly being chosen. These do cost more per door, sometimes an extra €80 to €150, but they offer a lot of convenience.
Different types of lockers for every work environment
Not every locker is the same. What many companies overlook is that the layout of the lockers must match the usage. The most common are still wardrobe cabinets, the tall, narrow cabinets where you can easily store a coat and trousers. These are often mandatory if special work clothing has to be worn.
But there are also depth lockers or locker boxes. These are square compartments often used in offices for bags and laptops. Convenient for a ‘clean desk’ policy, where employees do not have a fixed spot. If you choose such small lockers, make sure they are big enough for a laptop, because that is often a surprisingly difficult size.
The key question: choosing the right lock technology
Now we come to the topic where you really have to make a good choice: the technology. It is tempting to save money and choose mechanical code locks. These are cheaper than RFID (cards) or app-controlled locks. However, the maintenance of those code locks can be a nightmare. Especially with cheaper variants, the keys wear out or codes get lost.
In 2026, you see companies switching en masse to systems that link to the employee pass. Staff take their locker by holding their card against it, and when they leave the company, you only need to invalidate the card. This prevents having to make a batch of spare keys. Are you looking for something specific for the office where you want to link the locker to flexible workspaces? It is good to know that there are now systems that show in real time which locker is still free.
The checklist for your purchase in 2026
To help you on your way, here is a list of points you really need to go through before requesting a quote. This will save you a lot of headaches later:
- What goes inside? A coat and shoes, or a complete motorcycle outfit? That determines the depth and height you need.
- Where will it be placed? In a dry corridor or in the showers? Choose a material that fits the location.
- Who manages it? Do you have someone who keeps the master key safe? Or do you want to arrange this via software?
- Safety: Will the lockers be anchored to the floor? If several come next to each other, you often have to connect them or anchor them to prevent them from falling over when all doors are open.
- Delivery time: Standard colors (grey or black) are often delivered faster than special corporate colors.
Olssen as a serious player in the market
When searching for suppliers, you will quickly encounter companies that supply ‘standard lockers’. However, very few offer it as a complete solution, from the physical cabinet to the software that runs on it. Companies that value a good management system where you can see remotely who uses which locker are often best off with a party that can integrate this.
These kinds of more complex processes, where you want the lockers to communicate with your employee database, require a partner who looks further than just the delivery of metal boxes. The choice of locks and software is just as important here as the sturdiness of the cabinet itself.
Options for specific sectors
For sectors such as healthcare or education, the requirements are often stricter. In healthcare, for example, you have to deal with hygiene requirements, which means lockers with sloped roofs are often mandatory to prevent dust accumulation. It is also important that lockers are easy to clean.
For companies that work with hazardous substances or where valuable items are stored, the emphasis is more on sturdiness and burglary resistance. The specifications of the locks and the steel thickness are often highlighted in quotes. So make sure you speak to a supplier who understands what your industry needs.
The logistical side of the story
Buying lockers is one thing; getting them delivered and installed is the next step. Many companies forget that a row of twenty lockers is quite heavy and often cannot be delivered by a standard courier. Especially if you choose custom work or special colors, delivery times can run to several weeks or even months.
Assembly is also a point of attention. Some companies deliver the cabinets and you have to put them together yourself. Other parties, often the more expensive ones, arrange this for you right up to the furthest corner of the cabinet. If you do not have handy people employed, it is wise to ask about this explicitly when requesting a quote. You do not want to find out after the lockers arrive that you still have to assemble them yourself.
Conclusion
The market for employee lockers is diverse in 2026. From simple lockers for €145 to complex smart systems that are integrated with your IT department. The choice depends entirely on your budget and what you expect from your staff. By looking closely at the material, lock technology, and the service a supplier offers, you prevent a bad purchase that you will pay for double later on.
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