Step Up is a big thank-you from the university for getting to campus sustainably. Last year was the most successful by far, with 2,000 new registrants and a million sustainable trips to campus. If you're not yet taking part, download the app via the buttons below and register with your @sheffield.ac.uk email address. This March, we're running a friendly competition between schools and departments to see which can get the most colleagues registered and recording sustainable trips to campus. Join today and help your team win the inaugural Step Up Cup!
Need inspiration? Luke took the time to tell us about his experience of the Step Up programme - and the fantastic work he is doing to recruit colleagues to the app.
“I work as a Cleaning Supervisor at theUniversity of Sheffield, and honestly, I didn’t even know BetterPoints existed until my manager mentioned it one day when he was getting a coffee from one of the university cafés. He told me about how it worked, and I thought I would give it a go. Since then, I have been using it every day, and I have pretty much stopped getting lifts to work.
I used to rely on a friend for a lift every morning. But since downloading the app, I have started walking instead. Now I walk to work nine times out of ten, and between the different university buildings I look after, I am on my feet most of the day. It has made a big difference to how I feel. I have noticed that I have lost a bit of weight and generally feel a lot healthier. BetterPoints has really motivated me to make that change, and it has been brilliant for my wellbeing.
I use my rewards at the university cafés that are part of the scheme through GeniUS, and it has become a bit of a ritual now, getting a free coffee every week as a reward for all the walking I do. Sometimes I earn a bit extra through surveys or bonuses, so it adds up nicely. It is such a simple incentive, but it works.
I have also become a bit of an ambassador for the app at work. I created a big poster about BetterPoints and put it up on the notice boards across the buildings I manage. Loads of staff have seen it and started asking me about it, and I have helped quite a few of them set up the app. Some have even started using my referral code, which is great because it spreads the word and gets more people moving.
I think it is a fantastic idea, something that actually helps people get healthier, save a bit of money and do their bit for the environment. For me, it has completely changed how I get around.Walking has become my default now, and it feels good knowing that what I am doing every day is making a difference for myself and for others.”
Luke's team have ahead-start in the Step Up Cup because of the great work he has done to promote Step Up to colleagues. Tap Menu, More ways to earn and Refer a Friend to invite colleagues to join in and help your department climb the leaderboard!
