DM Jan-Feb 2024

Dm RESEARCH: PAPER USAGE
Paper use is 'unnecessary' and 'ridiculous'
New research findings from Hyland sees UK workers heavily critical of their employers'
over-reliance on paper-based systems and processes
Over half (52%) of UK workers
consider their company's overreliance
on paper "ridiculous",
with more than two thirds (70%)
wanting their company to be more
conscious about the impact this has on
the environment. That's according to
new research from content services
provider Hyland.
With the vast majority of UK
businesses (92%) still relying on paper
documents, the study of 1,000 full-time
UK workers shows that half (50%) of
professionals actively feel guilty about
their company's paper usage, with a
further 55% deeming their company's
current volume of paper consumption
"unnecessary." Additionally, 69%
specifically want their organisation to
offset the amount of paper it uses
through tree planting initiatives.
For the majority of workers, the
solution is digital. Nearly three quarters
of respondents (73%) believe that
transitioning to a digital document
management system would significantly
enhance their company's sustainability.
With more than half (58%) reporting
that their company's existing document
management system is not up to
scratch, it appears that the limitations of
legacy technologies are partially
perpetuating the paper problem.
Speaking about the findings of the
research, Tim Hood, VP for EMEA &
APAC, Hyland, said: "The majority of
British workers agree that the volume of
paper usage in this country is
unreasonable. The demand to change
things is high, driven by a conscientious
desire to operate more sustainably -
there are genuine moral grounds to
consider technological solutions to the
UK's paper problem."
The 'Paper problem' research survey
covered over 1,000 full-time UK office
workers across a variety of industries
including finance, healthcare, IT,
and the public sector. The
research itself was conducted
in late 2023 by Censuswide.
"Addressing both paper usage
problems and a wider
dissatisfaction with existing
digital management system
requires digital solutions that
offer better interoperability,
improved efficiency, and true
ease of use," added Tim Hood.
"These qualities aren't just
about efficiency any more; it's
about aligning progress with
planetary responsibility."
More info: www.hyland.com
22 @DMMagAndAwards January/February 2024 www.document-manager.com