Go paperless at the office: 9 cool tricks to bring about this change

Published
10/12/2023

In today's rapidly evolving world of technology, businesses are embracing change and redefining how they operate. Everyone's preparing for a greener, smarter, and paperless office future.

The future of work is paperless, and your organization can be at the forefront of this exciting change.

But are you confused about how to begin? Worry not.

Let's explore some amazing tricks to help you bring this positive change to your office environment.

 

  1. Establish a digitalised policy

80% of the Governance, Risk and Compliance Management (GRC) group members on LinkedIn have agreed that the organization should digitize and stop using paper copies.

Transiting digital documents can also lead to significant cost savings regarding paper, ink, storage space, and printing equipment maintenance.

Specify the roles and responsibilities of employees in the paperless process. Inform employees about the new policy, its benefits, and the timeline for implementation.

 

  1. Encourage recycling and reuse

Recycling often costs less than disposing of waste in landfills. Place labeled recycling bins throughout the office for paper, cardboard, plastics, and other recyclables.

Encourage reusable office supplies like coffee mugs, water bottles, and lunch containers to reduce single-use plastic waste.

 

  1. Utilize cloud-based storage solution

Cloud storage allows employees to access documents from anywhere via the Internet, promoting remote work and collaboration.

Establish a clear file structure and naming conventions to ensure that digital documents are organized and easily located.

Promote the creation of new documents in digital format rather than printing physical copies.

 

  1. Avoid using paper business cards

Digital business cards are always accessible on your smartphone, making it easy to share your contact information whenever and wherever you meet someone.

Unlike paper business cards, you can benefit from including clickable links on these cards.

Once you get business card, you also won't need to reprint it to share with others. You can share it with your important clients via email, text message, QR code, and many other unique ways.

 

  1. Utilise a digital notebook

Paper logbooks require manual data entry and can be time-consuming.

So, choose software or apps designed for your office's logbook needs. Look for features such as customization, accessibility, and ease of use.

It will streamline the process and make it faster and more efficient.

Ensure that employees can access the digital logbook from mobile devices, making it convenient for those who need to log information on the go.

 

  1. Install a visitor management system

A visitor management system provides a secure way to track and monitor who enters your office premises. It helps identify and manage unauthorized or potentially risky visitors.

Train front desk staff, security personnel, and other relevant employees on how to use the visitor management system effectively.

Set up a notification system that informs hosts when their visitors arrive, including details like the visitor's name and photo.

 

  1. Explore paperless billing solutions

Eliminate paper bills to reduce office clutter and the need for physical storage space for filing cabinets or shelves.

Join any paperless billing through online portals or websites. Typically, there's an option to enroll in digital billing.

Configure email alerts to notify you when new bills or statements are available for review. Keep a close eye on your online accounts to monitor for any suspicious activity.

 

  1. Learn paperless faxing

Paperless faxing eliminates expenses related to paper, ink, fax machines, and phone lines, resulting in significant cost savings.

It can be sent and received instantly, eliminating the delays associated with traditional faxing. This speeds up communication and decision-making.

Digital faxes can also be accessed and stored electronically, making searching for, forwarding, and archiving documents easy.

 

  1. Explore the digital market

Ditch the traditional paper marketing using pamphlets.

Instead, utilize email marketing software and social media platforms to share your digital content, engage with your audience, and build brand awareness.

Consider digital advertising campaigns on platforms like Google Ads or social media to target specific audiences.

Moreover, digital marketing can help you access a global audience 24/7, making targeting and reaching your desired demographic easier.

 

CONCLUSION

By reducing paper waste, you contribute to a healthier planet by saving trees, reducing waste, and creating a more efficient and productive workspace.

Additionally, your business will likely enjoy cost savings, improved accessibility, and enhanced data security. These changes can lead to a more agile, adaptable, and competitive workplace.

So, as you embark on this journey toward a paperless office, remember that every small step counts.