Work From Home Data Entry Jobs

So many people I know have recently begun data entry jobs from home that it really got me intrigued. For someone like me who has been exploring working from home, this seemed a good choice and I did some detailed research into it.

So what is work from home data entry? Data entry work entails inputting data into a computer from a non-electronic source using keyboard, voice or scanning. This is a job than can easily be done from home. You end up converting data into an electronic form that is easy to store, analyse, interpret and utilize. This mine of information is then used for different purposes.

Data is now king. The entire electronic world is abuzz with data. The demand is endless. The basic requirements to begin data entry work from home are minimal and one can get going easily.

Data Entry Work from Home Jobs

The Basics of Data Entry Jobs

As already stated, a data entry job involves inputting data from non-electronic sources like forms into a computer. This can be done using voice recognition software, scanning or simply with the keyboard. This helps convert valuable data into electronic form where it is easy to store, analyse and interpret.

The Importance of Data Roles Today

Data is the magical four-letter word now, a word that is throwing up endless possibilities and uses. People never seem to tire of coming up with new ways to interpret and use data. Data has become unbelievably important for businesses. It helps businesses strategise and move ahead with expansion plans in a particular direction. With jobs and businesses going online, every little bit of data is a source of valuable information if interpreted rightly.

Predictably data is throwing up interesting job opportunities for people who are good with numbers and adept at number crunching. Terms like data analytics and data mining are the new buzzwords these days.

Data mining is a job that basically means trawling through huge databases and getting new information from them.

Data analytics requires one to analyse the available data using techniques to spot patterns and contribute towards gains in productivity and business.

Qualifications Needed to Perform Data Entry Work

Typing skills. Most data entry jobs require the worker to type out data from a non-electric source onto the computer. Obviously, it helps to have good typing skills so you can turn out more volume of work in less time while making the least amount of mistakes.
Administrative skills. At some level, this job requires one to be in charge of a certain project that might involve more than two people. Administrative skills come in handy.
Communication skills. You need to be able to communicate with your employer as well as other co-workers on a daily basis in order to do your job well.
Computer skills. This is an essential requirement for this job. You will be handling computers and you must be able to utilize them to get the best results. This includes passing knowledge of hardware as well as software.
Basic literacy skills. Basic knowledge of English and numbers is required for data entry where one has to deal with numbers all the time.
Customer service skills. As you diversify or move up the ladder in your job, it might become part of your job description to interact with customers. People who possess this ability will do well in the customer service portion of the work.
Being able to do repetitive work. Data entry work is boringly repetitive and you need to have the patience to keep doing the same kind of work day in and day out without compromising on quality.
Adhering to data security guidelines. As the importance of data increases, so do threats and security breaches. Each company has its own strict policy regarding data security and you must essentially adhere to this as part of the job. Inadvertent leaks if traced to you will lead to immediate termination.
Persistent accuracy. In spite of the repetitive nature of data entry, you have to maintain very high accuracy. Companies place a premium on accuracy since the data that is being inputted will be put to use in interpretation and policy guidelines.
Eye for detail. One needs to have an eye for detail and adhere strictly to templates and have the ability to spot an aberration in their own work so that timely corrections can be made.
Good English knowledge. This job requires you to have a good knowledge of English grammar and punctuation. Although data mainly deals with numbers, formatting and proofing can also come within the job description. It helps to have a good knowledge of English.
Teamwork. This job might at times require you to work in collaboration with others as part of a team. It is quite possible that the other members of your team are also remote workers who happen to be working together on a particular project. You need to be able to work in cooperation with the rest of the team members, providing support and direction whenever needed, keeping the project in mind.

These are the basic requirements to apply for a data entry job. Sometimes employers might seek certification in English, Mathematics and Information Technology but that is usually not the norm.

In addition to the qualifications listed above, there are qualities that employers look for in people who are working on data entry from home.

Responsibility. Once you commit to a certain amount of work you need to own responsibility for the same since your company has distributed and taken up work accordingly. Only under extreme circumstances should one make an exception.
Easy availability. Working remotely means you need to be available to your employers easily over phone or e-mail or messaging. This is because it is difficult for them to establish physical contact if you are too far away.
Adaptability to hardware and software needs. Technology changes rapidly these days and you must be willing to adapt to change. The hardware and software that you use for work can get outdated pretty soon. Do your bit to stay updated and upgrade as the need arises.
Willingness to share workload on tough days. There are bound to be days when an unexpected number of workers fall ill simultaneously or are unavailable for some reason. You must be prepared to take up extra workload on such days and help out. This might be tough with family around but think of it as one off and see the day through for your company.

Getting Ready for Data Entry Roles

Preparing your home

The infrastructure needed to get started on a data entry job is minimal.

Hardware.All you need by way of readiness is a desktop computer or a laptop and great internet connectivity. If voice typing is the preferred mode of data entry, you would need to invest in a good microphone, enunciate clearly as well as take some care in voice training. Of course you need to have your phone in readiness to be able to communicate with your bosses.
Software.Most companies have their very own software on which they require you to work. Familiarization with this software takes a little time. The relevant training is imparted by the company so that you are at ease while working. Some places lay a great deal of stress on voice recognition software, which goes a long way in reducing the manual nature of data entry. This software will again be mostly provided by the company in question.
Seating and ambience. Getting your work space ready by way of having an ergonomically correct seating arrangement and having all your needs close by will help a lot. Make sure your room has proper light, is airy and cheerful since you will be spending a lot of time here. Be aware of various cables and connections and what they are for so that minor glitches can be dealt with easily.

That is essentially it. You are now all set to get rolling.

Beating Tedium in Data Entry Work

Data entry jobs by nature are monotonous. Dealing with the utter sameness of the job day in and day out can be quite a challenge. This job needs you to strictly adhere to templates and alsobe alert and accurate at the same time. Then there is always a deadline to stick to. Spread over long hours and days, this can become quite challenging.

In addition to this, you are choosing to work from home. Alarmingly studies have found that an increasing number of remote workers have begun to feel seriously isolated staying at home and working long hours. Cases of severe depression are also increasing among people working from home. This rather defeats the purpose of working from the comfort of one’s home, be around family, earn money and lead a happy life.

In order to handle the lows leading to the boredom of working from home and staying motivated and productive, you need to take some measures to help you through your day.

Take breaks at regular intervals.However tough a deadline you might be looking at, make sure you take breaks at regular intervals. A few minutes of strolling around the house, grabbing a cup of coffee or doing some small chore will help break the monotony of work. You will return to work with renewed vigour.
Get physical exercise.Working at a job that by nature needs you to stay at one place looking at your computer for long hours gets the health warning bells ringing loud. For your own sake it is essential to make efforts to stay healthy. Make sure a brisk walk or a half hour of focused physical activity is part of your daily routine. This will help release all the good hormones, making you a happier and healthier person in the bargain.
Indulge in a hobby.Do not let go of your hobbies just because you are so busy working on your job. Taking some time out to indulge in a hobby is a great way to stay motivated in your regular job as well as remain more productive in the long run. It need not be something very fancy, even simple things like gardening or listening to music help keep your interests alive and make you a more complete person.
Get to interact with real people. Remember nothing is more rewarding than interacting with real people, even if for short time. Working with data entry from home, your chats and conversations will essentially be virtual in nature. This is never enough to fulfil the basic human need to reach out to another in the real setting. Make sure you set aside a time for friends, go out, engage in laughter and banter at regular intervals.
Go out into nature.Taking walks in the open or simply carrying your laptop and sitting to work in a park can be a very rewarding experience. Cooped up within the confines of home, the same chair, the same picture on the wall, can all lead to boredom and eventually affect productivity. Go out for some time and then get back to work enthused.
Plan out your day well.Working from home means a lot of jobs to juggle with. There are kids to look after, dinner to be cooked, groceries to be bought and bills to be paid in addition to deadlines at work. All of this can get quite messy and overwhelm the best of people if you do not plan well. Time management along with good planning will help you achieve your goals smoothly.
Keep in mind exigencies. However much you plan there are bound to be days when things go completely haywire. Try and be calm and inform your workplace immediately so that it is easier for them to arrange alternate means to getting the work done.

5 Negatives of Data Entry Work You Need to Know

Like any other job there are some downsides to data entry work as well. Let us get into some of the major cons:

Precision and speed. You will lag behind, literally and figuratively, if you are not able to achieve a certain level of typing skill within a short period of time. Too many mistakes in typing means that you end up spending time having to go over a job. This affects overall productivity and could lead to missed deadlines.
Monotonous. The tedium of going on at it for hours every day is a very real fact. There is no creativity or challenge in this job which immediately means this is not for people who yearn for newness. Make sure you are aware of this aspect before you choose to go with data entry jobs.
Long hours. A normal day at data entry usually involves working anywhere from 6-8 hours and more in most cases. Often on crunch days when work flow surges, one can find oneself having to handle much more than normal. Such long hours hunched up over a laptop can take a toll physically and mentally, again affecting your output.
Require utmost concentration. Data that is being converted to electronic form is going to be used by companies for analysing and improving their strategies. You have to make sure you are accurate throughout your work. Any false or wrong entry will impact the user and does not have good implications for you.
Not highly paying. Since this is a job that does not require much technical skills it is not very highly paying. Compared to the amount of time and effort you will put in, the returns might not be as good.