Going Paperless: How the Great Paperless Society Is Changing Work

If you’ve ever heard someone mention “The Great Paperless Society,” you might picture a futuristic world where filing cabinets are empty, printers are collecting dust, and every document lives in the cloud.

Honestly, that’s not too far off from the goal. The Great Paperless Society is really about replacing traditional paper with digital solutions, making work faster, cheaper, and more environmentally friendly. It’s a shift that’s been happening for decades, and while we’re not completely paper-free yet, many businesses, schools, and even governments are closer than ever.

At its core, the idea is simple: instead of relying on physical paper for communication, records, and forms, we use technology. That could mean sending an email instead of a letter, filling out an online form instead of printing and scanning, storing files in the cloud instead of a filing cabinet, or approving something with a digital signature instead of pen and ink. The goal is efficiency and accessibility, while reducing waste.

And there are some major benefits to going paperless. It saves time because you’re not digging through folders or waiting for mail to arrive. It saves money on printing, storage, and postage. It gives you the flexibility to work anywhere, since digital files can be accessed from home, the office, or even your phone. Digital files are often more secure too, since they can be encrypted and controlled with permissions. And of course, using less paper is better for the environment.

Now, are we fully paperless today? Not quite. Paper still has its place. Some legal documents still require physical copies. Some customers don’t have internet access. And in certain situations, a physical record just feels more trustworthy. But thanks to tools like cloud platforms, e-signature software, and document management systems, the amount of paper we use has dropped dramatically.

If you’re thinking about going paperless yourself, the best approach is to take it one step at a time. Start by digitizing important documents into searchable PDFs. Move your storage to the cloud with tools like OneDrive, Google Drive, or Dropbox so you can access files anywhere. Adopt digital workflows, like using DocuSign or Adobe Sign for approvals. Train your team so everyone feels comfortable with digital tools. And cut back gradually so the transition feels natural.

The Great Paperless Society isn’t just a dream - it’s an ongoing movement that’s already reshaping how we work, learn, and communicate. We may not be completely paper-free yet, but every small step we take brings us closer to a future where you’ll never have to ask, “Where did I put that document?” again.

Still have questions or need assistance with going paperless? Schedule a call with us or visit our Learning Center for more information. We're here to help!