A 'win-win' situation; Flexible working is working paperless!

Paper reduction is a great way to participate in the transition towards sustainable business. In this context and by commission of the Dutch ministry of Infrastructure and Environment Agency and Agentschap NL, CREM and Procore studied  the feasibility of a paperless office. The study included research on various technological alternatives to paper as well as to which degree paper can be replaced in different working situations. The expected behavior of employees in a ‘paperless’ office was also studied. One thing became clear; companies and organizations with little paper use primarily aim to work efficiently and flexible. To allow efficient and flexible working practices, new hardware and software is purchased. This hardware and software has the tendency to reduce the use of paper tremendously. Paper reduction is therefore often not the main purpose, but a mere desired outcome of flexible working, also known as the New Way of Working.

New Way of Working

The New Way of Working is comprehensive term. It is also described as working independent of time and location. Former research by the Dutch Ministries of Education, Culture and Science (OCW) and Health, Welfare and Sport (VWS) indicates that 85% of the Dutch has a positive attitude towards this way of working. From the environmental impact point of view, flexible working has a lot of advantages. Fewer traffic jams, a smaller carbon footprint (of both employee and employer) and less use of paper. After all, if you want to work flexible, you do not want to move around a pile of paperwork.

Paperless office

Nowadays, co-workers share their information, such as files, calendars, notes, and software much more online. Technologies to replace paper (e-readers and tablet-pc with signature recognition, etc.) are at a sufficient level to create an almost completely paperless working environment. In addition, the costs of these technologies and the costs of an office space with printers and plenty use of paper are equal. What’s more, a paperless office increases efficiency and productivity.

Good preparation

All participating respondents agreed that good preparation is essential to the success of a  paperless working environment. A smooth running ICT infrastructure and sufficient training are key factors.  The use of paper moreover depends on the type of work that is performed.  Nevertheless, even in the most conventional working environment, new technologies and customized training  can lead to significant reduction in paper use.

• Contact: Annelien van Meer >>

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