CSR & SDG: how sport is driving team spirit, wellbeing and solidarity at work

This spring, employees from RTE international and MAI Group came together for the Power Up! Challenge, an internal sports initiative designed not just to get people moving, but to bring teams closer together, promote wellbeing at work, and support a charitable cause chosen collectively.

RTE international aligns with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

A signatory of the United Nations Global Compact since January 2025, RTE international has made the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) part of its practices. The Power Up! Challenge was launched in this spirit, contributing to two SDGs in particular:

SDG 2 – Zero Hunger: a €2,500 donation to the World Food Programme

The teams voted to support the World Food Programme, the United Nations’ humanitarian agency dedicated to fighting hunger in over 120 countries. The sporting activities were converted into points, which translated into a €2,500 donation to fund emergency operations in humanitarian crisis-hit areas.

SDG 3 – Good health and wellbeing: promoting physical activity at work

By encouraging regular physical activity, the challenge aims to combat sedentary lifestyles, which are especially prevalent in office-based roles. The World Health Organization identifies physical inactivity as a major risk factor for health. RTE international is actively investing in employee well-being and supporting its drive toward ISO45001:2018 certification.

Fostering a culture of collective commitment

As the first initiative to unite employees from across the group, the Power Up! Challenge helped create a collective momentum between the different entities. Regular updates, mutual encouragement, and the sharing of experiences among colleagues, regardless of their fitness level, strengthened bonds across the board.

Charlotte Akkari, HR Manager at RTE international, sums it up:
 “Mens sana in corpore sano – a healthy mind in a healthy body. Sport embodies values that are invaluable in the professional world: teamwork, perseverance, and pushing one’s limits. This challenge united our employees around a common goal.”

Maria Moreno, HR Manager at MAI Group, adds:
 “Workplace sport is a powerful driver of social connection. It boosts cohesion, lifts morale, and fosters a sense of belonging, essential for an engaged team.”

A winning formula, set to return in 2026!