When you picture a traditional office space, you might imagine items like papers, files, and printers. Okay, probably more papers than anything. However, thanks to technological advances, many businesses can choose to use less paper in their daily operations. The concept of a paperless office has been around for years, but it’s only very recently that companies have been able to make the switch entirely. If you’re considering using less paper in your business, here are six benefits you have to look forward to.
Reduce Your Carbon Footprint
Limiting the amount of paper you use will help your business do its part to help the planet. The lower your paper usage, the fewer trees must be cut down yearly. This not only protects habitats but eliminates the energy used to convert trees into printing paper. You will also make a greener business because you won’t have to send as much paper waste to landfills each year.
Trim Those Printing Costs
The expense of buying office supplies can quickly add up. While a single packet of printing paper may only cost a small sum, the amount of paper many businesses use results in a substantial fee. By reducing or eliminating your paper usage, you also reduce or eliminate the need for printers, ink, envelopes, and more. This will significantly improve company finances.
Streamline Business Owner Tasks
As any good business owner should know, time is money. With so many tasks on your plate each day, you can’t afford to waste a single second. Thankfully, technology, such as human resource management software and tax payment systems, can reduce the time you spend on crucial tasks. This will free up time for other work and commitments outside the office.
Free Up Extra Space
Clutter is a much larger problem than most people realize. While we all know that it can cause us to lose important files, the effect that it has on your mind is more serious. Clutter is a huge source of stress, resulting in lower productivity within your office, which is why so many businesses are now using self storage to minimize the mess. Transitioning to electronic files means less clutter in the workspace, improving efficiency and mood hugely.
Receive Customer Payments Faster
Companies that extend credit to customers must invoice them at one time or another. Rather than sending a paper invoice, switching to electronic ones would help. In doing so, customers will receive their invoices almost immediately instead of a few days later. More often than not, this will speed up how quickly they pay, benefiting your cash flow. If you are worried about keeping up with payment reminders, consider using a company like chaserhq.com. They can automate your accounting process so you don’t have to chase down customers for payments.
Transfer Knowledge Among Employees
Communication is key to a successful business. Collaboration can be difficult when you have all of your documents printed out on paper and scribbled on notecards. Using digital collaboration tools means reducing the amount of paper in the office and making it easier for employees to transfer knowledge to one another and work together.
If you’re on the fence about whether or not to reduce paper in your business, make sure you consider the benefits listed above. Oh, and if you have never read or seen the Dr. Suess movie, “The Lorax,” I encourage you to watch it. It might help to motivate you to create a paperless office.
Carolyn R. Owens has over 25 years of proven experience and serves as a Career Strategist, Leadership, and Life Coach. She is the Chairwoman and CEO of Infinity Coaching, Inc., where they help you up-level your skills so you can up-level your income. Infinity Coaching, Inc. provides one-on-one and group coaching, organizational training, and personality assessments. Carolyn is certified to give The Energy Leadership Index Assessment and Myers Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) Assessment. You can learn more about assessments and other products and services at https://infinitycoaching.net.
