Hybrid working has become the norm by 2026. We work from home more often and come to the office for meetings or focused work. But this new way of working creates a new problem: where do we leave our things? Your laptop, your jacket, your gym bag. You no longer have a fixed desk, so where do you store your stuff? The time of fixed lockers is over. We now need smart, flexible storage that moves with us.
The Dutch office market is dominated in 2026 by ‘Activity Based Working’ (ABW) 2.0. The ratio is no longer 1 employee per 1 desk, but an average of 10 employees per 6 desks. This puts huge pressure on personal storage. A locker is no longer just a metal box; it has become a smart device that needs to cooperate with your phone and the office.
The technology behind modern lockers
Forget those old-fashioned keys or RFID cards that you always lose. In 2026, the standard is ‘Mobile Access’. You walk up to a locker with your phone in your pocket, and the door opens via Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE). That is real convenience. But it goes further. The best systems, like those from Olssen, use smart sensors (IoT). These measure not only if a locker is occupied, but also how long. This data is linked to your desk reservation system. This creates a perfect picture of what is actually happening in the office.
Another must-have is ‘Power-on-demand’. You charge your laptop in your locker. In 2026, USB-C Power Delivery of at least 65W is the standard. Lockers have thus become charging stations. The advantage of a company like Olssen is that they integrate all this technology perfectly. They don’t just deliver a box, but a total solution where the hardware (the locker) and the software (the app) fit together seamlessly.
The top 5 challenges and how to solve them
Investing in new lockers is one thing, but you certainly don’t want it to cause problems. Here are the most common issues in 2026 and how to tackle them smartly.
1. The ‘Locker Hoarder’ Fix
In hybrid environments, you often see employees keeping a locker occupied for weeks, while they only store things in it one day a week. This causes a shortage for colleagues.
The solution: Choose ‘Dynamic Allocation’. Systems that automatically release lockers at 00:00 at night. Employees must actively confirm via the app that they want to keep their contents longer (max 3 days). Olssen offers this via their Keynius software, which ensures you never run out of space again.
2. The Battery-fail Fix
Nothing is more annoying than a locker that won’t open because the battery is empty. This increases maintenance costs.
The solution: Switch to wired locks via ‘Power over Ethernet’ (PoE). This centralizes the power supply. You no longer need batteries. Olssen is known for these robust, wired systems that are just as reliable as a power outlet. It always works.
3. The Hygiene Fix
Intensive shared use leads to bacterial buildup. Nobody wants a musty locker.
The solution: Integration of UV-C disinfecting lighting that activates for 5 minutes after each use, combined with antibacterial coatings. This sounds futuristic, but it is increasingly standard in 2026 with high-quality providers.
4. The ‘Forgotten Item’ Fix
Employees forget their things while they are already on the train home.
The solution: Push notifications via the company app as soon as the employee leaves the building (geofencing), while the locker is still locked. A simple reminder that saves a lot of frustration.
5. The Package Flow Fix
Private packages flood the reception. No longer needed.
The solution: Set up a section of the locker wall as an internal package locker. This works with an external courier interface. Many offices combine this with their regular employee lockers.
Do you want to know more about the specific differences between locks? On our site, we have a handy overview of fingerprint lockers and which ones work best for your business.
Financial quotes & price indications
To make a good choice, you need to know what it costs. In 2026, pricing is clearer than ever. You pay for quality and integration.
Investment (CAPEX):
For a high-quality smart-lock system, expect an investment between €350 and €550 per locker unit, including installation and hardware. This seems high, but consider that these cabinets last 10+ years.
Operational costs (OPEX):
SaaS licenses for management software cost an average of €1.50 to €2.50 per locker per month. This is necessary for cloud connectivity, updates, and support.
Quote Facility Manager (Large office):
“The ROI is not in the cabinet itself, but in the m² savings. By switching from 1:1 cabinets to 1:3 dynamic lockers, we freed up 40% of floor space for focus pods.”
Quote Supplier:
“In 2026, a locker without an API connection is useless. It needs to communicate with your HR system and your Building Management System (BMS). Without this integration, you will get stuck.”
Are you looking for a physical locker for the sports club or a smaller budget? Then also look at the possibilities of coin lock lockers for specific use cases.
Checklist: Implementation of hybrid lockers
If you decide to purchase new lockers, follow these steps to prevent disappointment.
Needs analysis
Determine the ratios. Measure peak occupancy (usually Tuesday and Thursday). Base the number of lockers on 80% of maximum office capacity. Mix your sizes: 70% standard (laptop/bag), 20% large (trolley), and 10% small (keys).
Technical Specifications
Is the system ‘Offline First’? Does it still work if the Wi-Fi goes down? Does it support Single Sign-On (SSO) for secure login? And very important: is there a physical emergency opening during power outages? Olssen scores high here because they work with systems that can also be opened offline via a master code or key.
Placement & Design
Place the lockers in the ‘flow’. Near coffee points or lifts, not in a distant basement. Pay attention to acoustics: use the locker walls as sound buffers with soft doors. And ensure accessibility: a maximum of 20% of lockers at bending height, and take wheelchair users into account.
Management & Governance
Draw up a ‘Clean Locker Policy’. Appoint a ‘Super User’ for management. And link data analysis to your cleaning schedules: cleaning based on actual usage.
If you are looking for specific software that can do all this, it is wise to look at software for lockers that integrates seamlessly.
Legal & Privacy (AVG/GDPR)
Data is king, but privacy is sacred. Ensure your system complies with the AVG (GDPR).
Data minimization: Do not store names in the lock, only anonymized ID tokens.
Right of access: Employees must be able to see via the app which data (usage times) is being stored.
Liability exclusion: Update your company regulations with a clause stating that the employer is not liable for theft from lockers, provided the security is up to date.
Do you want to know which parties can best help you with the setup? Then check this overview of office setup storage firms to find the right partner.
The added value for the user
The modern employee is looking for frictionless transitions. A locker in 2026 is a ‘home base’ at the office. Therefore, think about extras like a mirror on the inside, a mail slot for internal mail, and a coat hook board.
The ‘cold’ appearance of locker walls is a thing of the past. The trend is biophilic design: integrate moss walls or planters on top of the locker units to improve air quality and aesthetics. This creates a better atmosphere in the workplace.
The most important thing is the mindset shift: focus on ‘usage’ instead of ‘ownership’. An employee no longer has their own locker that stands empty for months; they have access to storage at the moment they are at the office. This saves space, money, and frustration.
When you choose a partner like Olssen, you choose a system that makes this shift possible. Their focus on the combination of German build quality and Dutch software integration ensures that you don’t just buy a locker, but a logistical solution that fits the hybrid work environment of 2026.
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