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PDF and eSigning: The Secret Weapon for a Remote Workforce

PDFandeSign-RemoteWork

Learn 5 ways PDF & eSign software help remote workers and companies stay secure, connected and compliant—anywhere in the world.

Over the past couple of years, remote work has accelerated causing a drastic shift in how people work (and want to work). Of course, in early 2020, all businesses were forced to do things differently. Now, some businesses want employees back to the office full-time, some have adapted with a hybrid mix of remote work and in-person collaboration, and some decided to go to a fully remote workforce.

For employees, there are many benefits to working remotely—greater autonomy, a more flexible schedule, more time with family, freedom from a time-intensive commute—the list goes on. For businesses, offering a more flexible remote option can lead to happier employees and improved morale, without sacrificing productivity.

Learn how PDF and eSign software can help power that productivity.

Do you have the right software for remote work?

Software and technology play a major role in the ability to support remote work. On-demand video technology has widely replaced in-person meetings, and a robust suite of digital productivity tools has made collaborating online easier than ever.

With more companies making the change to remote work, or at least incorporating some remote flexibility into their schedules, the transition from office to home also has its share of complications.

  • Team collaboration tools are incompatible with your devices
  • Time zone differences between collaborators means response lag times
  • Document challenges with disconnected team members working on wrong versions of files or struggling to effectively collaborate in real time

While video conferencing programs and messaging platforms are great ways to keep employees connected, there’s a secret weapon or two you might be overlooking—PDF and eSigning tools.

The most prolific document format type in the world is PDF, and with the right eSigning software to go with it, you can create seamless document workflows and collaboration from end to end - anywhere in the world, on any device.

5 Ways PDF & eSign Software Help With Remote Work Productivity

1. PDF Keeps Formatting Consistent

Whether you’re sending a simple form or a graph-filled report, a PDF file preserves the original document’s unique formatting and layout. Every time you send a PDF document or image, you can rest assured that your file will look the way you intended it. This is a necessity when working with a variety of hardware, software and operating systems.

Since PDFs can also be easily converted to Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint—and over 300 other file types—your recipient also has the freedom to convert your document into a format that works for them.

2. Easier Remote Collaboration

In a survey conducted by Nitro and Qualtrics, an overwhelming majority of knowledge workers all over the world (95%) said they see significant room to improve document processes across their organizations. When it comes to working remotely, this lack of visibility and collaboration becomes a challenge and sometimes roadblocks productivity altogether.

With a document productivity suitelike Nitro, you can easily collaborate on document tasks. Whether you’re combining feedback into a single PDF file, comparing versions of multiple PDF files, or sending documents for electronic signatures, Nitro streamlines these cross-functional workflows.

3. Around-the-Clock Connectivity with PDF in the Cloud

Today’s modern workforce no longer operates on a 9-to-5 schedule. Remote employees, differing time zones, and sporadic schedules all intensify the need for companies to offer a way to be productive beyond the desktop.

Choosing a PDF software that includes a cloud component is crucial to ensuring your employees can stay connected anytime, anywhere. Nitro’s cloud-connected features enable employees to convert, combine or edit PDFs from any web browser, as well as securely save, share and review documents.

4. Increased Productivity, Reduced Costs

From maintaining hardware to restocking paper and other supplies, office-related expenses can quickly accumulate for remote employees. A simple and practical way to reduce these costs while enhancing productivity is to eliminate paper-based processes like printing, scanning and copying altogether, and replace them with digital-based solution.

According to the 2022 Nitro Productivity Report, paper-based processes have decreased significantly since before the pandemic, but over half of workers are still printing and scanning.

When companies replace these outdated practices and provide teams with digital documents and workflows, they immediately cut the hefty price tags of printer maintenance, paper, ink and other related equipment. Not to mention the time savings when employees aren’t forced to track, manage and file paper documents.

5. Enhanced Document Security

In a world where hacking and high-profile security vulnerabilities are daily news, we are constantly reminded of the important role of security in our documents—especially when sending files back and forth between remote employees. PDF files also help mitigate risks of data leakage and unauthorized sharing with features that protect your sensitive information. When communicating with remote employees over non-secure platforms like email, you can easily redact sensitive data, text and images from your PDF files.

Document security is even more important if you are doing business across borders. The regulations around eSigning vary from country to country and compliance can get quite complicated. Read our Ultimate Guide to Electronic Signatures for everything you need to know.

Try Nitro PDF & eSign Software for Free Today

Keep your organization connected, compliant and productive with the right PDF & eSign solutions for remote work.

Try Nitro for free today.

Editor's Note: This article was originally published in March 2020 and has been updated to reflect new insights and benefits of PDF & eSigning for remote workers.