Sustainable Business: Volunteer Work at Antea Group

At Antea Group, we strongly believe in the power of collaboration and solidarity. Every year, we encourage our employees to dedicate themselves to good causes and volunteer work. A great example is the mapathon we organized in collaboration with UNESCO and IHE Delft, mapping areas heavily impacted by climate change. Connection is a core value within our organization, supported by many dedicated volunteers. Today, we speak with Ine Huybrechts, who will be contributing to the Warmest Week in the coming months.

The power of connection and commitment

Loneliness comes in many forms. It is an invisible struggle that affects more people than you might think, often intensified by language barriers, cultural differences, or the challenges of a new and unfamiliar life. Ine Huybrechts, Senior Advisor at Antea Group, contributes annually to various volunteer initiatives. This year, she is focusing on the Warmest Week, with loneliness as its central theme.

What does the Warmest Week mean to you?

"The Warmest Week, organized by Studio Brussel, chooses meaningful themes every year. Loneliness is one that really resonates with me because nearly one in two people feels lonely at times. That’s an incredible number, impacting colleagues, family, and friends. It often remains a taboo topic, which makes supporting this cause even more important. By participating in the Warmest Week, I want to help break these taboos and bring the issue into the spotlight."

Last year, you volunteered as a buddy for a recognized refugee. What was that experience like?

"I decided to become a buddy because I lived in West Africa for six months. I saw how challenging it is to integrate into a new society, especially when you’re on your own. Without a familiar environment or network, loneliness can quickly take hold.

My goal as a buddy was not only to help this person but also to broaden my own perspective. Everyone needs humanity and friendship during tough times. It was a valuable experience for me to be open to different cultures and ideas. A beautiful connection is formed, and both parties learn from each other. I would highly recommend it to anyone."

How do you see Antea Group’s role in supporting volunteer initiatives?

"Antea Group has a diverse workforce, with people of different ages and backgrounds. This provides an excellent opportunity to reach a broad audience and raise awareness. Working together is often easier than going solo; it allows for sharing experiences and inspiring one another. As a company, breaking the taboo makes the subject less burdensome, helping us take action together more quickly."

How do you connect Antea Group’s core values to the volunteer projects you participate in?

"Antea Group’s core values align closely with the volunteer projects I’m involved in. Curiosity plays a big role; it enables us to listen to and learn from others. Connection is also crucial, especially in tackling loneliness. We aim to create an environment where people feel less alone. Dedication and decisiveness are essential too; it’s about truly connecting and taking meaningful action to support others."