Typing speed is a vital skill that enhances productivity, communication, and overall efficiency in the modern workplace. It supports better time management, makes employees more competitive in the job market, and contributes significantly to both individual and organisational success.
Assessed by companies using typing skills tests, it is a crucial skill in today's workforce for several reasons, let's take a look at what those reasons are:
Increased Productivity
- Efficiency: Faster typing reduces the time needed to complete tasks, allowing employees to handle more work within the same timeframe. This is especially important in roles that require frequent written communication, such as customer service, data entry, or content creation.
- Multi-tasking: High typing speed enables individuals to manage multiple tasks simultaneously, such as typing notes during meetings or responding to emails while handling other responsibilities.
Improved Communication
- Timely Responses: Quick typing allows employees to respond to emails, messages, and other forms of digital communication promptly, enhancing overall communication flow within the team and with clients. This is positive for both your business and the level of service being provided. Everyone likes a speedy response.
- Professionalism: Speedy typing can lead to more thorough and well-considered responses, as employees have more time to review and edit their work, ensuring professionalism and accuracy.
Adaptability
- Remote Work: With the rise of remote work, digital communication has become the norm. Typing speed is essential for staying connected and collaborating effectively with remote teams.
- Use of Technology: Many modern tools and software require quick and efficient text input, from coding and programming to navigating CRM systems. Fast typists can take full advantage of these technologies.
Competitiveness in the Job Market
- Essential Skill: In many industries, typing speed is a fundamental skill that can differentiate candidates during the hiring process. Employers often prioritise candidates who can demonstrate high efficiency and productivity.
- Learning Curve: Fast typing allows employees to learn new software and tools more quickly, as they can input commands and text rapidly, making them more adaptable and versatile in their roles.
Error Reduction
- Focus and Accuracy: High typing speed often comes with better accuracy, as experienced typists are less likely to make mistakes. This reduces the time spent on correcting errors and proofreading documents and improves the overall quality of work.
- Confidence: Employees who type quickly and accurately are more confident in their work, leading to fewer delays and a smoother workflow.
Supporting Team Collaboration
- Effective Meetings: In team settings, fast typists can take and share notes in real-time, ensuring that important information is captured and disseminated efficiently.
- Shared Documents: Collaboration on shared documents or platforms like Google Docs is more effective when team members can input their ideas and edits quickly.
Ultimately typing at a good speed makes the employee more efficient and they therefore are able to carry out tasks quickly, meaning they are likely to complete more work during their hours.
So, what is a good typing speed?
A good typing speed can vary depending on the context, but here are general guidelines:
For General Use
- Average Typist: Around 40-50 words per minute (WPM).
- Good Typist: 50-70 WPM.
- Fast Typist: 70-90 WPM.
For Professional Use
- Data Entry Jobs: Typically require around 60-80 WPM.
- Administrative Roles: 50-70 WPM is usually considered efficient.
- Customer Service: 50-70 WPM or higher, depending on the volume of typing required.
- Technical Roles (e.g., programming): Speed is important, but accuracy and understanding of the code are more critical. Around 40-60 WPM may be sufficient.
For Specialised Roles
- Transcriptionists: 80-100+ WPM, with high accuracy.
- Court Reporters: 180-200 WPM or more, often using stenography equipment.
Top Performers
- Professional Typists: Can exceed 100 WPM, with some reaching 120 WPM or more.
- World Record Holders: Typists who can reach speeds of over 150 WPM.
In general, a good typing speed for most people is around 60-70 WPM, which allows for efficient work and communication without sacrificing accuracy.
Can You Improve Your Typing Speed?
Improving typing speed requires practice, proper technique, and the right tools. We’ve collated some effective strategies to improve typing speed:
Learn Proper Typing Technique
- Touch Typing: Learn to type without looking at the keyboard. This technique allows for faster typing because your fingers can find the keys by muscle memory.
- Finger Placement: Place your fingers on the "home row" keys (ASDF for the left hand and JKL; for the right hand). This position allows you to reach all keys efficiently.
- Posture: Maintain a good posture with your back straight, feet flat on the ground, and elbows at a right angle. Proper posture can reduce fatigue and improve typing accuracy.
Use Typing Software and Online Tools
- Typing Tutors: Use software like TypingClub, Keybr, or Ratatype that offers structured lessons and practice exercises.
- Online Games: Engage in typing games like TypeRacer or NitroType to make practice more enjoyable while improving speed.
- Typing Tests: Regularly take online typing tests, such as Skillsarena’s online speed typing test so that you can track your progress and set goals.
Practice Regularly
- Daily Practice: Dedicate 10-15 minutes a day to focused typing practice. Consistency is key to building speed and accuracy.
- Focus on Accuracy First: Start by typing slowly to ensure accuracy, then gradually increase your speed. As your accuracy improves, your speed will naturally follow.
- Practice with Real Texts: Type out passages from books, articles, or scripts to simulate real-world typing scenarios.
Improve Hand and Finger Dexterity
- Finger Exercises: Perform exercises to strengthen and increase the flexibility of your fingers. Simple stretches and flexing exercises can help.
- Typing Drills: Focus on specific keys or combinations that are challenging. Practice typing those repeatedly to build muscle memory.
Analyse and Correct Mistakes
- Review Your Errors: After each practice session or typing test, review where you made mistakes. Identifying and understanding your errors will help you avoid them in the future.
- Slow Down When Necessary: If you notice a pattern of errors, slow down and focus on accuracy before speeding up again.
Use a Comfortable Keyboard
- Ergonomic Keyboard: Consider using a keyboard designed for comfort, which can reduce strain on your hands and improve your typing speed.
- Key Sensitivity: Choose a keyboard with the right sensitivity for your typing style. Some people prefer mechanical keyboards for their tactile feedback, while others prefer quieter, softer keys.
Set Achievable Goals
- Progress Tracking: Set small, incremental goals for your typing speed and accuracy. For example, aim to increase your speed by 5 WPM each month.
- Celebrate Milestones: Recognise and reward yourself when you reach your typing goals, which can keep you motivated.
Stay Consistent and Patient
- Consistency: Improvement in typing speed takes time and regular practice. Keep practising, even if progress seems slow at first.
- Patience: Be patient with yourself. As you continue to practice, your speed and accuracy will improve.
By following these strategies and dedicating time to practice, you can significantly improve your typing speed and efficiency.
