Marvin OnumonuTesco has partnered with Peoplesafe to roll out personal safety technology for its 300,000 employees across the UK.
The move came after staff said in listening sessions that they sometimes felt unsafe travelling to and from work.
The investment follows other safety measures in stores, such as panic buttons, protective screens and bodycams, and is designed to give retail and distribution staff extra protection outside work.
Research from Peoplesafe found 60% of people felt unsafe commuting on public transport during unsociable hours, while 50% worried about travelling to or from work alone.
The Peoplesafe app is now available to all Tesco colleagues.
If staff choose to download it, they can set their destination and transport mode before travelling.
The app automates welfare checks and allows them to raise an SOS alert if needed.
If they do not arrive on time or fail to respond, the Peoplesafe control room will contact them and can alert local police.
Research also found that 45% of employees felt safer when using a lone worker device or app.
Rachel Bennett, shrink and security director at Tesco, said: “At Tesco, the safety of our colleagues and their wellbeing is our top priority.
“Whether they are working in the office, stores or distribution centres, we know colleagues can feel vulnerable in situations where they are travelling alone or during unsociable hours.
“And in their social lives, we know colleagues sometimes worry if they are witnessing aggression on public transport, walking on their own or find themselves taking a taxi home as the only passenger.”
Bennett added: “We believe colleagues will really value the peace of mind offered by knowing that their journey is being monitored and help is quickly available if they encounter any issues.
“They deserve to always feel and be safe, at work or in their personal lives.”
Naz Dossa, CEO at Peoplesafe, said: “We want to commend Tesco for going above and beyond to protect their workforce.
“By prioritising the safety of colleagues both in-store and during their commutes, they’re showing a real commitment to their people and setting a powerful example of putting employee safety first.
“From working with them, it’s clear they genuinely understand the importance of protecting their workforce and are going above and beyond to ensure their teams feel safe and supported every day.”
Dossa added: “This has only been possible by working in close partnership with ASEL, whose expertise have been instrumental in delivering this solution.
“Together, we are proud to provide Tesco colleagues with protection that makes a real difference to their everyday lives, wherever they are.”
