[EVENT](RNG) IOU Telecommuting Programme

##The IOU Telecommuting Programme

Improving technology and Internet access have made working from home more efficient than ever. Known as Telecommuting or Telework, this offsets the need for long commutes that create undue stress and travel-related expenses, which can take a toll on one's health and personal life. Employers who offer teleworking options can save money on office space, parking and overhead, while gaining the ability to hire employees who live out of commuting range. A workplace program can also improve employee performance, reduce costs, and save valuable time.

Because of the International Oceanic Union's extremely varied geography (including scattered islands and sprawling deserts), we have commenced the International Oceanic Union Telecommuting Programme to help our companies start or expand their own telework programmes.

 
###The IOU Telecommuting Centre

The IOU Telecommuting Centre created for this Initiative offers assistance at no charge to employers doing business in the International Oceanic Union economies that want to implement a telecommuting program within their company. Employees will be encouraged to work remotely from locations all over the International Oceanic Union, to maximise the benefits of this Programme.

A comprehensive package of technical assistance services offered by the IOU Telecommuting Centre includes:

• One-on-one consultation with telework experts

• Presentations designed for upper and middle management

• Design and implementation of telework programs

• Identification and selection of telework programs

• Development of telework policies and agreements

• Sample materials, case studies, and implementation kits

• Program evaluation guidelines and strategies

• Training sessions for employees and managers

• The Employer Telecommuting Kit, containing Implementation Guides, Management Proposals, Telework Agreements, Telework Assignments, Telework Policies, and Telework Selection Surveys

$100 Million per year has been set aside for operation of the IOU Telecommuting Centre.

###Telecommuting Grants Under the IOU Telecommuting Programme, $100 Million in Finance has been budgeted annually for businesses and entrepreneurs who are interested in encouraging telework schemes for their employees. Up to $20,000 in funding is available for each business or entrepreneur annually under this programme.

To be eligible, applicants must:

• Have a business based in and servicing International Oceanic Union nations

• At minimum, encourage 90% or more of their employees to spend 100 or more hours each per year working from home

• Have an IOU Business Number (IOUBN)

 
###Licensed Telecommuting Software To support this Initiative, the IOU Telecommuting Programme will fund three-year development of a proprietary videoconferencing software designed to reduce latency and improve two-way video and audio communication. Known as "Speakeasy", the first phase of this software's development cycle is intended to cover basic A/V communication over traditional channels. During the two-year second phase of the project, Speakeasy will be made fully VR/AR compatible, for eventual deployment on Virtuoso's "Emerald City" delivery platform. $100 Million has been dedicated to the development of this software solution.

Once Speakeasy is complete, it will be licensed at 35% discounted price to businesses that apply for participation in the IOU Telecommuting Programme.