Today, 90% of business documents are electronic and yet 80% of employees who use a computer at work cannot touch type.

This astounding statistic raises enormous questions about productivity at work.  It is clear that millions of jobs now involve hours and hours at a PC, typing letters and communicating via email, instant messaging, entering data, surfing the web and so on.  And yet so many employers fail to recognise what a difference it would make if their staff were to able to touch type.

Huge increases in productivity

It’s a simple fact that an employee who can touch type will be more productive than one who can’t.  Not only will they be able to type twice as fast or more, they will make less mistakes and will therefore save time correcting their work.  This is because touch typists look at the screen as they type and not at the keyboard, so they correct their work as they go along.  So a person who can touch type at 40 words a minute (a moderate speed) will work at least twice as fast as one who types 20 words a minute with two fingers.  It follows therefore that touch typing will have a positive effect on what matters to most employers – productivity and profitability.

Avoid injuries

And then there is RSI – Repetitive Strain Injury.  Touch typists who sit up straight at the keyboard will be less likely to suffer neck or upper back injuries than the two-finger typist who is constantly hunched over the keyboard.

Get that job!

If you are not yet an employee, but aspire to be one, then most employers, whilst they may not be actively looking for someone who can touch type, are likely to choose someone who can over someone who can’t.  So, if you are a student, or currently between jobs, then you should learn to type.  It will make you more employable and a more impressive performer at work.