bEYond is Ernst & Young’s network for lesbian, gay, bisexual people - Ernst & Young - United States

Ernst & Young is committed to providing a work environment that is, and feels, inclusive for all our people. Through People Resource Networks (PRNs), various affinity groups within our firm can network and exchange information as well as advise senior leadership about inclusiveness issues.

Beyond, a network for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people and their allies (LGBTA), was the first PRN to be established, and it worked to add the inclusion of “gender identity/expression” as a covered category within our antidiscrimination policy. Listen as several Beyond members discuss the value of being able to bring their whole selves to work.

Proud of our accomplishments and recognifition
We've worked hard to create a firm with the broadest possible pool of talent, experiences and perspectives — and it shows. Some recent awards recognizing our efforts to create an inclusive workplace are listed below, or you can check out a more complete list of awards.

• No. 1 ranking on the 2009 DiversityInc's Top 10 Companies for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT)
• No. 2 ranking on the DiversityInc's Top 10 Companies for People with Disabilities
• In 2008 and fourth year in a row, Ernst & Young earned a 100% rating in the HRC Foundation’s Corporate Equality Index
• Named to the 2007 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list
• Diversity Elite 60
• INROADS National Sponsor Growth Awards
• First among Big Four to add LGBT to supplier diversity
• Disabilities Matters award

A leader in LGBT inclusiveness

An article featured in FORTUNE magazine on the progress being made by corporate America on LGBT inclusiveness included the efforts of Ernst & Young and the personal experiences of some of the members of Beyond, our network for LGBT people and their allies.

Ernst & Young scores 100% on Corporate Equality Index

For the fourth consecutive year, Ernst & Young has received a perfect 100% score on the Corporate Equality Index, published by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). That 100% score reflects Ernst & Young's active support of an inclusive workplace for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people.

An inclusive view

Continuing to make strides in LGBT inclusiveness
Out & Equal Workplace Advocates honored Ernst & Young with its 2007 award for Significant Achievement in recognition of our strides to advance a fair and equitable workplace for our LGBT people and their allies. The award recognizes our efforts to raise awareness of LGBT people and issues both internally and in the greater community through discussion of our workplace policies with other business leaders and by getting our people involved. In addition, Ernst & Young Inclusiveness Strategy Leader Chris Crespo received the organization’s 2008 Trailblazer Award.

The value of working in an open office

In a Forbes article, Ernst & Young employees Chris Crespo and Bryan Parsons share their experiences in deciding to come out at the office and the support they’ve received at our firm. The article emphasizes the value of fostering an open and inclusive office environment and suggests ways for workers and businesses to find and create a comfortable workplace.