Security is a top priority for any business. Your locks are important against unauthorised access, theft, and data breaches. But how often should you change office locks? And what should you do if an employee leaves with their keys?
If you don’t look after your locks regularly or if an employee leaves and takes the keys with them, your business could become vulnerable.
While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, regular lock maintenance and changes as necessary ensure your business remains secure, especially as employees come and go.
Whether you need a simple lock replacement or a more advanced security solution, a professional locksmith can help.
Older locks wear down and become easier to bypass.
New security threats emerge, requiring updated solutions.
Advanced locks, such as smart locks, offer better access control and monitoring.
If your locks are outdated, it may be time to consult a locksmith near me to explore modern security options.
After a Security Breach or Break-In
If your office has been targeted by a break-in or an attempted burglary, changing your locks should be an immediate priority. Even if burglars didn’t successfully enter, they may have damaged or tampered with the locks, making them less secure.
A professional lock replacement ensures that compromised locks are no longer a weak point in your security.
When Keys Are Lost or Stolen
Misplaced or stolen keys pose a huge security risk, especially for small businesses. You never know who might find them—or whether they were taken intentionally. If a key goes missing, it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Rekey the locks to disable the lost key without replacing the entire system.
Opt for a lock replacement if your current locks are outdated or easy to manipulate.
Upgrade to keyless access control to eliminate the risk of lost keys altogether.
After Business Growth or Ownership Changes
Expanding your business? Moving to a new office? Recently acquired a company? These are all key times to evaluate your lock security.
A lock replacement can ensure that only authorised individuals have access to sensitive areas. If your business has grown, upgrading to a master key system or smart access control can also improve efficiency and security.
What to Do If an Employee Leaves with Their Keys
One of the most common reasons for a lock replacement is when an employee quits or is terminated but doesn’t return their key. Even if you trust them, you can’t guarantee that their key wasn’t copied or shared.
First evaluate things like the level of access the employee had (main entrance, private offices, storage areas, etc.) and whether the employee left on good terms or under difficult circumstances. Include the likelihood that their key was copied or shared.
If the employee had access to sensitive or high-risk areas, changing the locks is the safest option.
If you’re concerned about security risks after an employee’s departure, take these steps:
· Notify security personnel and remaining staff to be on alert.
· Monitor surveillance footage for any suspicious activity.
· Temporarily block access if you use a digital keycard system.
Rekeying vs. Full Lock Replacement
If you need to act quickly, rekeying might be an option. Rekeying changes the internal mechanism of the lock so that old keys no longer work, without needing a full replacement.
However, a lock replacement may be necessary if:
· The locks are outdated or easily bypassed.
· You suspect duplicate keys are in circulation.
· You want to upgrade to a more secure system, such as keyless entry.
A quick search for a locksmith near me can help you determine the best course of action based on your business’s specific needs.
Best Practices for Office Key Management
To prevent security risks in the future, businesses should adopt better key management policies.
Only give keys to employees who absolutely need them and keep a log of who has access to which areas. You should always collect keys immediately when employees leave.
There’s always the option of smart locks too. Traditional keys come with risks—lost keys, unauthorised duplication, and lack of tracking. Smart locks or digital access control systems solve these issues by eliminating the need for physical keys and allowing business owners to grant or revoke access remotely. You can also monitor entry much easier.
Make key return part of the exit process when employees leave and include key return policies in employment contracts.
Final Thoughts
Your business’s security depends on staying proactive. If you’re unsure whether to change your locks, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Regular lock replacement, combined with smart security practices, helps protect your business from potential threats.
If you’re looking for a locksmith near me to assess your office’s security, consider scheduling a consultation. Whether you need rekeying, new locks, or a complete access control upgrade, a professional locksmith can help secure your business efficiently.
