In a world where companies are increasingly challenged to take on social responsibility, Intero Integrity Services sets a powerful example. This technological service company, specializing in inspection, environmental, and industrial services for the oil, gas, refining, and petrochemical industries, has partnered with the Sheltersuit Foundation for years. This collaboration not only aligns with their business values but also reflects what it means to make a meaningful social impact.
Intero Integrity: technology with a mission
With offices across Asia, North and South America, the Middle East, and Europe, Intero Integrity has a global reach. The company, with about 600 employees, combines advanced technology and innovative practices to ensure safety and sustainability in the oil and gas industry. By using specialized equipment and robots, they inspect industrial facilities down to the smallest detail. The goal? To detect emissions, wear, and damage early to prevent serious incidents.
Innovation and safety are not just buzzwords at Intero. These core values shape their daily work and drive their social commitment. It’s no coincidence that Intero found a partner in Sheltersuit, an organization equally determined to make an impact.
You see immediately what happens to your contribution, and you can even play a role in how the impact is made.
- Barbara, Intero Integrity-
The search for meaningful collaboration
Years ago, Intero began a search for a way to give something back to society. Large, anonymous organizations quickly fell off; the preference was for a smaller initiative where the impact of their support would be directly visible. When they came across Sheltersuit, it felt like a perfect match.
Sheltersuit, which provides innovative emergency solutions for homeless people while empowering those distant from the job market, was a perfect fit for what Intero was looking for. Its focus on sustainability and innovation immediately appealed to the company. In addition, Intero appreciated the foundation's transparency, which allowed them to see exactly where their contribution was going.
A global partnership
The collaboration with Sheltersuit extended beyond the Netherlands. Thanks to Intero’s international presence, the partnership gained a global dimension. From Lyon to Toronto, homeless individuals received Sheltersuits, supported by Intero. This worldwide reach made the initiative’s impact tangible within the organization.
Intero employees, such as those in Toronto, personally distributed Sheltersuits. For many, it was eye-opening to witness the need firsthand and see how their support made a direct difference. It fostered a sense of connection and pride within the team, giving employees a sense that they weren’t just working for a company but contributing to a larger purpose.
Social value as a business strategy
The collaboration with Sheltersuit aligns seamlessly with Intero’s sustainability goals. Like many companies, Intero has set ambitious ESG (environmental, social, governance) objectives. While these goals are still evolving, the partnership with Sheltersuit demonstrates that they are already taking action to make a social impact.
However, working with a foundation like Sheltersuit also raises challenges. Some within Intero note that the focus is on an emergency solution, while the ultimate goal is for everyone to have a roof over their head. Yet, this tension is seen not as a limitation but as a challenge to do even more in the future.
An example for other companies
The partnership with Sheltersuit has given Intero more than just the satisfaction of socially responsible business practices. It has also shown how a well-chosen partnership can strengthen a company. It makes employees’ work more meaningful and creates engagement, both within the company and beyond.
Unsurprisingly, Sheltersuit’s story resonates within the organization. Conversations about the partnership often come up among colleagues. One employee from Calgary even mentioned that Intero’s involvement with Sheltersuit was a deciding factor in choosing to work for the company. This highlights that social engagement is not only good for society but also a powerful tool for attracting talent.
Intero sees this as an opportunity to further strengthen its identity. The partnership with Sheltersuit has not only supported the foundation’s mission but also given Intero a human side that resonates with employees and clients alike.
Why making an impact matters
The choice to partner with Sheltersuit shows how companies can consciously opt for collaborations that truly make a difference. For Intero, it was important to find an organization that not only aligned with their core values but also made a clear and measurable contribution to society. This makes the partnership not only valuable but also inspiring.
“What makes Sheltersuit unique is that it doesn’t just provide a solution for homeless people but also offers opportunities for those with barriers to employment to become part of society,” says Barbara. This, she believes, makes the foundation a model for how innovation and social engagement can go hand in hand.
An invitation to other companies
Barbara hopes that other companies will follow Intero’s example. “What this partnership has taught us is that supporting a smaller initiative can be incredibly rewarding. You see directly where your contribution goes, and you can even play a role in shaping the impact,” she explains. She emphasizes that this can also significantly influence an organization’s internal culture. “It gives employees pride and shows that, as a company, we do more than just make a profit.”
Intero Integrity proves that social responsibility is not just a moral choice but also a strategic one. By partnering with Sheltersuit, they have not only changed lives but also strengthened their own organization. This story serves as a powerful reminder that companies, big or small, can make a difference—not only in society but also within their own walls.
