Staff Badges Done Right ID badge design, printing options, and access-control basics for any workplace. From lanyards to smart cards, know what your badge should do.

Barcodes are cheap and fine for identification alone. RFID or smart cards earn their cost once badges open doors, clock shifts, or carry permissions that must not be photocopied.

A current photo, full name, role or department, and an ID number — plus anti-copy features like holograms where security matters. Less is more; home addresses never belong on one.

Deactivate it immediately in the access system, log the loss, and issue a replacement with a new number. A lost badge policy only works if deactivation is fast and routine.