The shift toward remote work during the COVID-19 pandemic was unprecedented, and the trend shows little sign of reversing. As organizations transition to a predominantly remote workforce, efficient digital solutions have become indispensable. PDF and eSign tools, in particular, have proven essential for businesses across numerous sectors.
These technologies are crucial in maintaining productivity, ensuring secure document handling, and streamlining workflows. Businesses focused on growth must understand how PDF and eSign tools integrate into the broader context of remote work, recognize their advantages, and examine the options.
The statistics behind remote work
The Pew Research Center found that at the height of the pandemic, 71% of Americans who had jobs they could accomplish remotely worked exclusively from home. And according to a 2022 Gallup survey, 56% of all full-time U.S. employees have jobs that allow them to do just that. This accounts for approximately 70 million workers. Half of them have a hybrid work schedule, 30% work fully remotely, and 20% work entirely in-office.
As companies and employees continue to navigate the evolving work climate, the demand for remote jobs has surged. The search volume of terms like “remote work” and “remote hiring” has seen tremendous increases, with “remote hiring” up by 2,250% over the past five years. As of 2022, the Pew Research Center found that 78% of employees currently working remotely want to continue with this setup in the coming years, a 14% increase from 2020.
Challenges for businesses
Despite the advantages for employees, businesses remain wary of the ongoing work-from-home trend. Microsoft’s Work Trend Index reports that 85% of business leaders find it challenging to trust employee productivity in a hybrid work environment. Only 12% of business leaders have complete confidence in their employees’ productivity.
This skepticism has led many companies to adopt employee monitoring technologies, including screen monitoring, keystroke logging, and facial recognition software. Gartner reports that the number of large corporations using such monitoring technology has doubled since the pandemic began, reaching 60%, with expectations to climb to 70% by 2024.
How PDF and eSign tools support remote employment
As remote jobs become more prevalent, efficient document management becomes increasingly important. Here is where PDF and eSign software come into play. Remote job seekers and companies in all sectors now rely on tools like Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign to streamline document handling and increase productivity.
Simplified document management
Users may easily generate, edit, and distribute documents thanks to powerful tools such as Foxit PDF Editor. This software provides a comprehensive collection of functionality, such as text editing, annotation, and form filling, all required for any remote work configuration.
For example, remote workers in the manufacturing industry must manage various documents, including contracts, project plans, reports, and presentations. PDF solutions make these files more accessible and customizable, saving time on administrative procedures and allowing staff to focus on their primary responsibilities.
Enhanced collaboration
Collaboration is critical in a distant working environment. PDF solutions make seamless collaboration possible by allowing many users to see and change documents in real-time. Comments, annotations, and version tracking are all features that help teams stay aligned and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Legal professionals value eSign solutions for simplifying the signing process by removing the need for physical signatures and reducing turnaround times. Foxit eSign is crucial in the legal sector as it enables secure and swift online document signing, facilitating the remote execution of agreements and contracts — essential for maintaining efficiency and compliance in legal operations.
Improved security
Security is a primary concern for businesses handling sensitive information in industries such as healthcare. PDF and eSign solutions provide robust security measures to safeguard documents from unauthorized access and modification. Password protection, encryption, and digital signatures guarantee that papers remain secure throughout their entire life cycle.
This also allows distant job seekers to safely communicate their personal information, such as resumes and application forms, with potential employers. For employers, it confirms that vital papers like employment contracts and financial records are safe from cyberattacks.
Increased efficiency
PDF and eSign technologies automate many laborious operations, saving time and effort when managing documents. For example, eSign technologies eliminate the need to print, sign, scan, and mail papers, simplifying the process.
In the banking industry, this increased efficiency can significantly streamline loan approvals, account openings, and other customer transactions, reducing turnaround times and enhancing customer satisfaction. For employers, it may speed up the hiring process and onboarding new employees, ensuring they can contribute to the firm without delay.
The role of PDF and eSign tools in hybrid work
Hybrid work combines telecommuting and in-office tasks and requires adaptable technologies that can keep up with different work settings. PDF and eSign solutions will become increasingly vital as the trend toward hybrid work continues.
With 57% of remote employees considering a switch to a hybrid model and 21% leaving their jobs due to a lack of remote or hybrid opportunities, it’s crucial to have the right tools for these work environments. Here’s how PDF and eSign solutions support hybrid work models:
- Flexibility and accessibility: Cloud-based solutions enable employees to see and manage documents from anywhere, including their homes and offices. This advantage ensures that individuals have the necessary tools to be productive regardless of where they are.
- Consistency across platforms: Employees may work on documentation with their preferred devices, whether desktop PCs, laptops, tablets, or smartphones, without worrying about compatibility issues.
- Streamlined workflows: Hybrid employment frequently requires transitioning between different places and working settings. PDF and eSign systems improve workflow efficiency by offering a consolidated document management program. This reduces the need for several tools, lowering the likelihood of errors and inconsistencies.
Choosing the right PDF and eSign tools
With the increased demand for remote and hybrid work solutions, selecting the appropriate PDF and eSign tools is critical. While Adobe has long been popular, rivals such as Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign provide robust capabilities at affordable prices.
G2 is a well-known source for in-depth product reviews, providing objective and thorough evaluations of various applications and solutions. Their reviewers’ knowledge and feedback guarantee that users can make sound judgments based on accurate data.
User-friendly interface
A practical user interface (UI) guarantees that applications are usable and efficient by users of all skill levels. A well-designed UI can shorten the learning curve, allowing new users to master the tool without additional training. This is especially valuable in a remote or hybrid work setting with limited time and resources.
A user-friendly UI increases productivity by allowing workers to use the software easily, accomplish activities more quickly, and reduce errors. A pleasant user experience can lead to increased satisfaction and loyalty because users are more inclined to continue with software that is simple and enjoyable to use.
What G2 reviewers are saying: “Foxit PDF Editor is a game-changer in the realm of PDF editing. Its intuitive interface, efficient tools, and robust collaboration features make it stand out.”
Comprehensive features
Comprehensive features in software tools allow users to complete a variety of tasks without the need for additional apps. A powerful PDF editor can handle everything from basic edits and annotations to complex form development and digital signatures. This all-in-one solution saves time and resources by removing the need to move between many tools, which can disrupt workflow and slow productivity.
A wide range of features within a single platform allows customers to satisfy various document management requirements, whether they’re working on routine tasks or specialized projects. For businesses, this means lower software expenses, simplified operations, and more productivity.
What G2 reviewers are saying: “Foxit PDF editor is super user-friendly and it covers all your PDF editing needs. It’s so easy to navigate and find the tools you need. Plus, it has a wide range of features that let you edit, annotate, and even convert PDFs. It’s definitely my go-to choice for PDF editing!”
Secure eSign solutions
Sensitive information, such as contracts, financial records, and personal data, is often contained within documents, making them prime targets for unauthorized access and cyberattacks. A robust security framework confirms that files are safe through encryption, secure e-signature capabilities, and access controls.
This protection is vital to maintaining client trust, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR and HIPAA, and preventing financial loss due to data breaches. High-security standards help safeguard intellectual property, keeping proprietary information out of competitors’ hands.
What G2 reviewers are saying: “I’ve been using Foxit PDF for a while now, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer for me. Editing and converting PDFs is a breeze, and the security features give me the confidence that my documents are safe.”
As the number of remote job searchers increases, so does the need for effective document management solutions. PDF and eSign products, such as Foxit PDF Editor and Foxit eSign, offer the flexibility, security, and efficiency required to empower remote and hybrid work environments.
These solutions enable remote workers and enterprises to navigate the changing workplace landscape by simplifying document management, increasing communication, and strengthening security. As remote and hybrid work trends continue, using the correct PDF and eSign solutions will be critical for staying productive and competitive.
Get a free trial of Foxit PDF Editor and eSign today to keep your remote and hybrid work on track.