The paperless office: how to go paperless at work

Future of work
October 25, 2022
Published by
Ghizlane

The paperless office is an approach that consists of going paperless in the office. This concept aims to reduce costs, security risks and pollution. Many companies have already adopted this approach and see the benefits.

In this article, we will see why it is important to switch to paperless office and how to achieve it.

What is the concept of paperless office?

The "paperless office" is a concept that has existed for many years. If we take a French/English translation dictionary, "paperless office" literally means "paperless office". The idea is simple: reduce or eliminate the use of paper in an office.

The benefits of the paperless office are numerous, including the reduction of clutter in the office (dear to management), savings in paper and ink, and the reduction of the environmental impact of paper production.

However, the move to a paperless office also presents some challenges for a company's departments. For example, it can be difficult to find electronic versions of important documents, and some people prefer the tactile experience of reading a physical document.

Nonetheless, the paperless office is a goal that many companies are striving to achieve, and it is likely that we will see more and more offices make it a reality.

Why go paperless at work?

There are a few clear reasons why you and your team should go paperless in the office

The CSR approach, important for French management

In a world where we are increasingly aware of the need to protect the environment, it is important to consider the role that paper plays in the reality of the French. According to Wikipedia, France remains the 7ᵉ largest consumer of paper in the world, and more than 10% of paper is imported from regions where the industry is a source of forest artificialisation or deforestation.

It is therefore very important, as part of a CSR approach, to switch to paperless office. By making this improvement, we can help reduce our dependence on paper and protect the world's forests.

Faster to sign documents

The paperless office saves time by signing documents online. Indeed, it is faster to sign an electronic document than a paper one, because it is not necessary to print, scan and send it by mail.

Less security risks

Electronic documents are also less likely to be stolen or lost than physical documents. This is especially important for confidential or sensitive documents, such as contracts or medical records.

The paperless office therefore allows for increased protection of a company's sensitive information.

Cost control

Cost reduction is another important reason to go paperless. Printing, storing and managing paper is a significant cost for businesses.

Best practices for reducing paper at work

One of the best ways to reduce the amount of paper used in the office is to implement a "paperless office" policy. To do this, simply:

  • to start by scanning all paper documents and storing them electronically,
  • use e-mail instead of paper memos
  • and invest in a quality printer capable of printing on both sides.

Other steps that can be taken to reduce paper consumption include:

  • the use of recycled paper,
  • the installation of a recycling bin for paper waste
  • and encouraging employees to reuse and recycle paper.

By taking these simple steps, businesses can significantly reduce their paper consumption and help preserve our natural resources.

FAQ - Answers to your questions about paperless office

What is the translation of "paperless office" in French?

The paperless office is usually translated into French as "bureau sans papier". Your French/English dictionary may not be recent enough to include this translation, as the concept of paperless office is relatively recent.

A method to integrate paperless office according to the number of departments in the office?

There is a simple method to integrate paperless office depending on the number of departments in the office. Make sure that management takes ownership of the issue and delivers clear information at all levels and in all departments. The paperless office should then be easily integrated throughout the office.

Has the internet facilitated the implementation of the paperless office?

Yes, very clearly. The Internet has facilitated the implementation of the paperless office, as it allows for an easier circulation of electronic documents. There are many online tools on the Internet that allow you to share and manage electronic documents, which is very convenient for companies.