What are the most effective ways to use lanyards?

Lanyards have all kinds of uses in business and non-profit organisations. Here is a quick guide to what you need to know to make the most of lanyards. 

What is a lanyard? 

Lanyards are loops of fabric with some form of gripping tool at the end. Some lanyards can only be pulled on over the head. Others can be opened and closed. Lanyards that open and close can often be adjusted in length to some extent. 

Most lanyards have a lobster clip at the end. Some have a split ring, a carabiner and/or a reel that can be extended or retracted. A few lanyards can take different gripping tools. These may come with the lanyard or be added by the user. 

Choosing the right type of lanyard for you 

With lanyards, the first question you generally need to ask yourself is whether or not you need/want any sort of customisation. This would typically be your company/organisation branding. You also need to think about the colour. Lanyards in bright colours are more visible. Lanyards in neutral colours may be more appropriate for some situations. 

Once you have established that, think about what functionality you need from the lanyard. For example, do you need it to open and close and/or to be adjustable? What will your main gripping tool be? How strong does the lanyard need to be? 

The answers to these questions will generally depend on the intended use of the personalised lanyard. With that in mind, here is a quick guide to some of the main uses for lanyards. 

Identification-card holders 

This is probably the single, biggest use for lanyards. It’s certainly the most conspicuous. Many businesses require staff to wear identity cards on lanyards at all times while on their premises. These identity cards often double as access cards so they need to be easily accessible. 

Identity cards are used in many environments outside business too. Essentially, whenever there are large numbers of people who don’t know each other, it makes sense to issue name tags. Usually, by far the easiest way to do this is to print or write them on paper and put the paper in a holder on a lanyard. 

Key holders 

On a similar note, lanyards are popular as a way to carry frequently used keys (and access passes). Constantly taking keys out of pockets and then putting them back is tedious and bad for the fabric. This is why people in roles that require using keys frequently, generally prefer to have them on a lanyard. 

Lanyards also come in useful for carrying keys (and other small items) on boats. They make it much less likely that the items will be dropped overboard. You can add a floatation device to your lanyard to increase your chances of getting the items back if they do end up in the water. 

Business card holders

Although the general trend is to go paperless, old-fashioned business cards remain hugely popular. The whole point of business cards is that they can be given out to people quickly and easily. This means that storing them in a wallet on a lanyard can often be a lot more practical than storing them in a wallet in a pocket or bag. 

Whistle holders 

Sports officials of all levels routinely use whistles, and they generally carry them on lanyards. Firstly, this makes them more convenient to use. Secondly, it vastly reduces the likelihood of them getting lost. 

Corporate gifts and souvenirs 

It’s quite common for people to wear multiple lanyards. Each lanyard usually serves a different purpose. This means that lanyards can be great corporate gifts. As a bonus, they’re affordable and easy to store and transport. Lanyards also make popular souvenirs for very similar reasons. 

Tool holders 

Heavy-duty lanyards are routinely used in the construction sector for holding tools. Lanyards are particularly important when working at heights. This is because tools dropped from a height could cause serious injury.