Ask HN: How do word docs, slides, excel, and PDFs generate value?

This is a bit vague, but as an engineer, it’s possible to walk past the other functions in an office and see people creating word docs, presentations, etc. and be a bit shocked that creating static artifacts is valuable enough to drive employment. I’m wondering if anyone has any ideas on where the value lies in this work. I know this is all very industry specific, so if you want to share you can talk from your own perspective. Vague and wild answers accepted too. I’m looking to have a wide ranging discussion about this.