Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are essential to a thriving workplace, fostering innovation, enhancing employee satisfaction, and driving business success. Due to recent political and social pressures, there have been several major companies scaling back their DEI initiatives. Despite these recent setbacks, the importance of DEI remains paramount at Beyond. Studies have shown that diverse teams lead to better decision-making and increased innovation. According to a recent study from LinkedIn, 80% of survey respondents said they want to work for a company that values DEI issues. Moreover, DEI initiatives contribute to employee satisfaction and retention by fostering a sense of value and inclusion within the organization.

What is Belong@?

At Beyond, we recognize that DEI initiatives are more than just a competitive trend or way to attract prospects. True DEI efforts should be embedded in every process and reflected year-round—not just during designated days, weeks, or months. Beyond’s Belong@ DEI Committee was created for this very reason. The goal of Belong@ is for the people of Beyond to foster diversity, equity, and inclusion within Beyond as a company, and within the broader short-term rental industry. 

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Now in its 5th year at Beyond, the Belong@ committee has worked on initiatives such as the celebration of diverse employee cultures, company-wide unconscious bias training, mental health awareness and support, and many more. As DEI efforts at Beyond continue, we’re better equipped to navigate workplace challenges and foster a healthy, welcoming work culture.

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Core Principles

The Belong@ Committee invites new voices and participants within Beyond to join the group every 6 months, ensuring new voices and perspectives are heard and represented within our initiatives. 

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“This is my third term being a part of Belong@, and I’m really passionate about initiatives focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Through Belong@, I’ve been able to contribute to building a more inclusive community, which is something I truly care about. Being involved in these kinds of initiatives allows me to keep learning, growing, and making a positive impact, both individually and as part of the larger group.”  - Greeshma S., Sales

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The volunteer-based committee meets regularly to discuss ongoing DEI initiatives, analyze anonymous feedback from Beyond employees, and set goals for inclusion. Throughout the year, the committee is responsible for introducing and organizing activities that support and highlight DEI best practices. Here’s a look at recent efforts from the team: 

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• Online training supporting the use of inclusive language
• Required online DEI training for all employees
• Sharing representation and diversity employee information

Our Impact 

Over the years, Beyond’s dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion has informed our unbiased approach to hiring and recruitment practices. As a result, over 50% of all managers at Beyond identify as women and 25% identify as Black, Indigenous, or People of Color. These statistics are mirrored across major departments at Beyond like Finance and Customer experience as well. 

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Beyond employees often share their experiences with the Belong@ team and we recently surveyed the organization to get their thoughts: 

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What does Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion mean to you?

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“DEI is about creating a world where everyone, regardless of their background, has a fair chance to thrive. It means for me recognizing and valuing different perspectives, ensuring that opportunities are accessible to all, and actively challenging systems that create inequality. It’s not just about representation but about fostering real belonging—where voices that have been historically silenced are heard and empowered. Fighting for fairness, rights, and equality isn’t just a responsibility, it's a commitment to shaping a better future for everyone.” - Filipa S., Customer Experience 

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“To me, it means creating an environment where everyone—regardless of their background, identity, or experiences—feels valued, respected, and empowered. Diversity is about embracing different perspectives, cultures, and identities. Equity ensures that everyone has access to the same opportunities in a way we can all participate in a fair way. Inclusion is about fostering a sense of belonging where all voices are heard and contributions are recognized.” - Ivonne R., People Team

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“DEI fosters a culture where everyone can thrive and feel a true sense of belonging. To me, it’s not just a workplace or societal initiative—it’s a mindset and a commitment to making meaningful change.” - Baishali C., Customer Success

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What DEI initiatives are you most excited about in 2025?

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“I am most excited about our upcoming initiatives involving mental health and women's history month!” - Tatiana P., Onboarding

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“In 2025, we’re still shaping what DEI will look like at Beyond, but a few ideas are already forming. Inspired by our book and film channels, we could create new spaces to highlight different aspects of identity, creativity, and self-expression.” - Filipa S., Customer Experience 

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“This year, I’m most excited for a few of our repeat initiatives including the use of inclusive language in the workplace and celebrating diversity through cultural programs and holiday highlights. It’s so fun to learn about different cultures from around the world and get to know more about others at Beyond!” Ryan S., Marketing

Moving Forward

While the landscape of DEI initiatives may be shifting, the fundamental importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion in building a successful and innovative company remains unchanged. At Beyond, we are steadfast in our commitment to these principles, understanding that they are integral to our growth and the well-being of our team. Creating space for DEI efforts allows us to foster community, build awareness, and deepen understanding within our teams. 

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As we share our journey of Belong@ Beyond, we’re curious - how are you as an individual, group, or company expanding and deepening your DEI efforts?

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