Faster Typing Means Greater Efficiency: Why Typing Speed Still Matters in Remote Work

Typing is a daily routine for most professionals. From writing emails to preparing project briefs, it all adds up. When typing is slow, time is lost. But improving your typing speed can help free up time for deeper tasks, clearer thinking, or even a well-earned break. In today’s global workforce, knowing how fast you type — and actively improving it — can have long-term benefits.

What a Typing Speed Test Actually Measures

Typing speed tests evaluate how many words you can type per minute (WPM). Many platforms offer these for free. Some include advanced feedback on errors, accuracy, and improvement over time.

According to Microsoft’s workplace benchmarks, many companies now expect employees to type at least 50 WPM. In teams across Asia, North America, and Europe, typing fast isn’t just a plus — it’s expected. Less time typing means more time brainstorming, solving problems, or working directly with clients.

Faster Typing, Stronger Output

Let’s consider a common task — responding to ten emails. Each has about 100 words. If one team member types at 40 WPM, they’ll spend 25 minutes. A colleague with 80 WPM only needs half that time. That’s 12.5 minutes saved on just one task.

Multiply that across hundreds of workdays, and the faster typer gains over 54 extra hours per year. More time means more bandwidth for strategic work.

There’s also a link between typing speed and fewer errors. People who type faster — and more comfortably — tend to make fewer mistakes. SpeedType.ai reports that accuracy can improve by 60% as speed goes up. Fewer corrections mean smoother workflows and better focus.

Why Regular Practice Works

Typing may feel automatic, but that doesn’t mean it’s perfect. Regular testing creates better habits. Here’s how routine assessments help:

Set clear benchmarks
A typing test gives you measurable data. You’ll know exactly where you stand and what to aim for next.

Track small wins
Seeing even a slight increase in WPM boosts motivation. Over time, these small wins build confidence.

Detect physical strain
If your performance stalls, it might point to physical issues — posture, desk layout, or screen distance. Recognizing this early can prevent long-term discomfort.

Support team structure
In collaborative environments, knowing each member’s typing strengths can help assign tasks like transcription, documentation, or chat handling more effectively.

Turning Test Results into Daily Gains

Improving typing speed doesn’t mean hours of drills. You only need a few focused minutes each day.

Pick a goal
Start by identifying your current average. If you’re typing 45 WPM, aim for 60 over the next 90 days.

Practice just 15 minutes daily
Research involving nearly a thousand remote workers found that even short daily typing sessions made a difference. Websites like typing.com offer free practice tests with progress tracking.

Try multilingual typing
Switching between languages during practice improves adaptability. This mirrors the workflow of many bilingual professionals and enhances memory recall.

Balance speed with accuracy
Typing fast but inaccurately creates more problems than it solves. Focus on consistent, error-free typing — not just raw speed.

Choosing the Right Typing Speed Tool

The best tools are easy to access and provide detailed feedback. Here’s what to look for:

Works on all devices
Choose tools you can use on a desktop or smartphone. Flexibility helps with regular practice.

Flexible time formats
Options like 1-, 3-, and 5-minute tests allow you to measure speed across different typing lengths.

Immediate feedback
Seeing your WPM and error count in real time helps you notice typing patterns and correct them faster.

Friendly competition
Some platforms include leaderboards. Competing with peers, even casually, can encourage daily practice.

Comfort Improves Speed

Typing faster starts with better comfort. If your setup feels off, your output will suffer. Ergonomics matter — here are key areas to check:

Keyboard fit
Use a keyboard that suits your hand size. Large or small, the right fit reduces tension.

Wrist and shoulder position
Keep wrists level and shoulders relaxed. Poor posture can lead to repetitive strain.

Eye health
Apply the 20-20-20 technique: every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds to look 20 feet away. It helps reduce eye strain and keep your vision sharp.

Several global firms now include typing posture as part of onboarding. Reducing muscle fatigue leads to better focus and higher accuracy.

How One Global Team Improved Together

A distributed marketing team — with members based in Sydney, Nairobi, and São Paulo — started weekly typing tests. In six months, their average WPM improved from 52 to 71.

They calculated the savings: around 380 hours per year were reclaimed from time normally spent on reports, live chat logs, and email. That’s nearly 10 full workweeks. They used the saved time to plan campaigns and meet client deadlines faster. The result? Customer satisfaction rose by 14%.

Faster typing didn’t just help individuals. It helped the entire team work smarter.

Track Your Growth

You don’t need complex software to monitor your typing development. A simple spreadsheet works well. Log your weekly speed, error rate, and time spent practicing. This makes it easy to spot trends and plan next steps.

When a target is reached, celebrate it. Even small rewards — a new desk mat or a day off — keep motivation high. Internal contests can also make things more engaging. Some teams run informal competitions during team meetings or retreats.

Typing Remains a Core Skill

While voice recognition software and automated text tools are improving, typing is far from obsolete. Many workplaces still depend on fast, quiet, and accurate input.

Industries like legal, software development, and online support rely on reliable typing. A voice tool may help with drafts, but it won’t replace the speed and focus needed for sensitive documents, coding, or live chat.

In one recent event, a young participant from the United States reached 305 WPM — setting a new typing record. While most people won’t match that level, it shows how far consistent practice can take you.

One Habit, Big Results

Typing faster might seem like a small change. But it pays off. You reclaim hours of your week. You reduce stress. You even feel more in control of your schedule.

Start with a single test. Set a goal. Then make a habit of training your fingers a few minutes each day.

Eventually, your typing won’t just be faster — it’ll feel effortless. And the rest of your work? That’ll start flowing more easily too.