How Queensland businesses can leverage the Workforce Connect Fund

The Queensland Government has announced a new Workforce Connect Fund, designed to support businesses in developing innovative concepts to address workforce attraction, retention, and participation issues. This is a great opportunity for businesses in Queensland to invest in new initiatives and position themselves as leaders in the state's labour market.

For large-scale projects delivered by industry peak bodies and community peak organisations, funding is available for a maximum 12-month term. The level of funding depends on the nature of the project and is capped at up to $1 million.

For eligible small businesses, up to $5,000 is available to provide immediate human resources (HR) support and advice (subject to funding availability). and focus on one or more of the following key areas:

• Design and development of new information technology platforms or systems

• Development of new programs and approaches that support specific cohorts and promote social cohesion within the industry.

• Development of innovative pre-employment programs, new mentoring or coaching strategies that trial new approaches to the professional development and retention of employees.

• Other innovative concepts designed primarily to address current and future workforce attraction, retention, and participation issues.

Telepresence Solutions -- Connecting Regional Australia

TeleIn curates workplace ready future-tech globally, making it available today for Australian businesses. Telepresence solutions are ideally suited to a geographically distributed country like Australia, enabling resources previously accessible only in capital cities and major regional centres to be readily accessed in even the most remote of locations. 

Below is a run down of two of our key technologies

1. Real-time connections via 3D holographic displays: 

These highly engaging life-size glasses-free 3D displays are ideal for "teleporting" educators, trainers and key personnel to teach classes in rural and remote locations where the logistics of deploying staff may be prohibitive. 

2. Telepresence robots:

Telepresence robots allow key staff to 'Tele-In' to a location and interact as if they were truly present. The user activates the robot and can navigate the remote space to see, hear and converse in real time.

Holographic Display technology for next level connection

Proto™ Epic is the first device that lets people beam themselves in 3D to a location thousands of miles away and interact with people there. You can call it Holo-teleportation, or even Teleportation, but it’s real - right now. These devices are brand new to Australia, with TeleIn commencing imports from October 2022. 

Check out the Proto™ Epic Demo Reel:

With huge applications across a broad range of industries from Live and Hybrid Events, Student Education, Medical and even Corporate, here are some interesting use cases from across the world so far in 2022:

• In event's and entertainment: the Star Awards 2022 in Singapore were presented via Proto™ Epic hologram. Comedian Andy Kindler performed live via hologram at a Montreal’s Just for Laughs festival. And country music star Walker Hayes performed live via hologram at the Live In The Vineyard, in Napa Valley, California. 
• In the corporate world: Christies Auction House is now using Proto™ Epic holograms to allow potential bidders to take virtual 3D tours of art and objects around the world. And Schroders UK has made a policy of using Proto™ Epic hologram to reduce jet travel and boost sustainability.  
• In experiential marketing: Canada's CF Toronto Eaton Centre hosted the 'Future of Fashion Show' via Proto™ Epic holograph!

Telepresence robotics for workforce augmentation

There are many benefits that businesses can realise by leveraging telepresence robots. Some of the most notable benefits include:

Increased Flexibility: Telepresence robotics is the future of work. By allowing people to be highly flexible and ensuring they maintain a sense of connection to their onsite teams, telepresence robotics ensures that everyone stays connected and engaged. With traditional video conferencing, there can often be a feeling of being a fly on the wall. With telepresence robotics, you can move freely around in your remote space, and you're always in control and feel like you are right there with your team. This technology is essential for businesses that want to stay ahead of the curve and attract and retain the best staff.

Decreased Costs: Telepresence is a rapidly growing technology that has the potential to revolutionise the way we do business. By definition, telepresence is "the use of technology to create the illusion of being in another place." In other words, it allows people to interact with each other as if they were in the same room, even when they are physically miles apart. There are many potential applications for telepresence, but one of the most promising is its ability to decrease costs through travel and time savings while maintaining a sense of "face-to-face contact."

Improved Worker Satisfaction: Telepresence robots also have the potential to improve worker satisfaction by offering employees more flexibility and freedom. According to a recent study, nearly 70% of employees would quit their job if allowed to work from home full-time. With telepresence robots, businesses can offer employees the best of both worlds: the flexibility of working from home with the human interaction of working in an office. This combination has the potential to lead to increased worker satisfaction and retention rates.

Eligibility

For more information on the Workforce Connect Fund - visit the Workforce Connect Fund website: https://desbt.qld.gov.au/employment/workforce-connect-fund.

Conclusion:

Queensland is a great place to do business. However, businesses in Queensland face stiff competition for talent. To attract and retain the best staff, it is essential to invest in innovative initiatives that will make your business an attractive place to work. 

If you are interested in exploring how telepresence can help your business, please get in touch. We would be happy to chat about how we can help you leverage this technology to attract and retain the best staff here in Queensland.