Tern App Encourages Employees to Cycle to Work

Tern recognises when users engage in active commute, and passively tracks them as they cycle, walk or run to work. The app displays the distance users travelled and CO₂ saved in real time. Users can then review their stats on a leaderboard, measuring their performance against other users in their office, as well as comparing the company’s stats against other companies in the same city or industry.

Image: Tern ranks commuters by distance travelled and CO₂ saved. Users can then compare their stats with colleagues, as well as with other companies in the city or industry. (Image: Albert Still)

Developed by Albert Still, a software engineer at Domain Group, the app enables businesses to promote active commuting, including cycling, walking and running to work. Businesses can reward employees for their efforts in reducing their carbon footprint.

Mr Still said that the app “leads to greener, healthier and happier offices”. In addition to sustainability benefits, Mr Still explained to Domain Group that exercise and endorphin release before work reduces stress levels, makes employees happier and increases their productivity. Other benefits cited were less employee sick days and reduced parking costs.

“It gives companies a platform to promote and reward the active commute. This helps companies reduce their carbon footprint and improve the health of their employees,” said Mr Still.

Domain Group encourages employees to use the app with an incentive program consisting of monthly rewards. Mr Still hopes that other companies will adopt the app as part of their sustainability initiatives and use it as a way to encourage active commuting.

Tern is available for free on the Apple App Store and Google Play Store

Cover Image: Tern encourages employees to commute to work through active means, such as cycling, walking or running to work. (Image: Max Bender via Unsplash)