Can Your Workplace Go Completely Paperless?

The idea of going paperless enjoys near-universal approval—who wouldn’t want a cleaner, more efficient workplace? But what happens if you take it all the way? Can your office, shop, or even factory ditch paper entirely? Is it realistic, and could your team handle the shift?

Digital options are everywhere now. Manuals, reports, invoices, and even casual reading like books and magazines live online. Platforms like Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and iTunes, alongside countless smaller distributors, deliver content straight to your screen. No trip to the store required. Yet, despite this, plenty of people—about half, if you ask around—still crave the feel of paper in their hands. The other half? They’re all in on downloading files to their laptops or phones, embracing the convenience.

So, will paper ever vanish from workplaces? Smart devices are second nature to many, especially younger workers, but there’s no clear sign physical copies are on their way out. Take baby boomers, for instance—a huge group that’s been slower to adopt tech. Their preference for paper keeps traditional publishing alive, from office memos to hardcover books. That said, change is brewing. Print-on-demand services are slashing waste by printing only what’s ordered, unlike old-school publishers who churn out stacks of unsold copies. This shift could force bigger players to rethink their habits.

Governments might speed things up, too. Fines for excessive printing could hit industries hard, pushing them toward print-on-demand or digital-only models. Self-publishing’s rise helps here—authors print what sells, no more, no less. It’s a leaner approach that’s already shaking up the game. But a fully paperless workplace? That’s trickier. Some resist change, clinging to paper for comfort or habit. Over time, though, most adapt—often marveling at how they ever managed without digital tools.

For a deeper dive into going paperless across all types of workplaces, check out Paperless Workplace: A Comprehensive Guide on BestWorkplace.com. It covers the tools, benefits, and real-world challenges of cutting paper from your daily grind. Whether you’re in an office, a warehouse, or anywhere else, the question isn’t just can you go paperless—it’s how far you’re willing to push it.