Airbnb, founded in 2008, transformed the way people travel and experience accommodations around the world. Behind its global success is a culture that celebrates innovation, belonging, and community — making working at Airbnb a coveted opportunity for many professionals. But what exactly is it like to work at Airbnb, and what makes it stand out among tech giants and travel companies alike?
Airbnb’s culture is deeply rooted in its mission: "to create a world where anyone can belong anywhere." This isn’t just a marketing line — it's embedded into the company’s daily operations. Employees, known internally as "Airfam," are encouraged to embrace diversity, inclusion, and respect for different perspectives.
The environment is often described as:
Mission-driven: Every project and role is connected to Airbnb’s larger mission.
Inclusive: A major emphasis is placed on belonging, with active Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) and diversity programs.
Collaborative: Cross-functional teamwork is highly valued. Teams often work across departments like design, engineering, and marketing.
Empowering: Employees are trusted with autonomy and encouraged to take ownership of their work.
Airbnb is known for offering generous and thoughtful employee benefits designed to support well-being, personal growth, and work-life balance. Some highlights include:
Travel Credit: Employees receive Airbnb credits each year to stay in Airbnb listings around the world.
Flexible Work Policies: As of recent updates, Airbnb has adopted a remote-first policy, allowing employees to work from almost anywhere.
Comprehensive Health Coverage: Including mental health support and wellness reimbursements.
Paid Volunteer Time: Employees are given paid days to volunteer for causes they care about.
Learning and Development: Airbnb provides stipends and resources for continuous learning, workshops, and career growth opportunities.
Airbnb offers diverse career paths across areas such as:
Engineering and Data Science: Building innovative platforms, tools, and systems that power millions of listings and guest experiences.
Design and User Experience (UX): Shaping the visual and functional aspects of Airbnb's products.
Community Support and Trust: Ensuring safety and support for hosts and guests.
Marketing and Communications: Sharing Airbnb’s story and engaging audiences worldwide.
Public Policy and Legal: Navigating the evolving regulatory landscape globally.
Employees often mention that internal mobility is supported — meaning if you want to explore different roles or geographies within Airbnb, it's encouraged.
No company is without its challenges, and Airbnb is no exception:
Rapid Change: The company evolves quickly to respond to the market, new travel trends, and regulatory changes. This can be exciting but may also feel overwhelming for those seeking a slower pace.
High Expectations: The bar for performance is high. Employees are expected to deliver results while also embodying Airbnb’s core values.
Complex Global Operations: Navigating different countries’ regulations, cultures, and market needs can be complex, particularly for roles tied to operations, policy, and community engagement.
Employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor consistently praise Airbnb’s:
Strong mission alignment
Focus on employee well-being
Innovative work environment
Authentic leadership
However, some reviewers mention that as Airbnb has scaled, it has taken on more of the characteristics of a large corporate environment, losing a bit of its earlier "startup" feel.
Airbnb has also been repeatedly featured on lists such as:
Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work
LinkedIn’s Top Companies
Comparably’s Best Company Culture
If you:
Are passionate about travel, belonging, and hospitality
Thrive in fast-moving, mission-driven environments
Value innovation and working with diverse global teams
Enjoy having a meaningful impact on real-world experiences
— then Airbnb could be an incredible place to grow your career.
If you prefer highly structured environments with minimal change, or you seek a more traditional 9-to-5 corporate rhythm, you might find Airbnb’s pace and culture more challenging.
Working at Airbnb offers a unique blend of purpose, innovation, and global community. Employees don’t just build products or services — they help shape how millions of people experience the world. While the environment demands adaptability and excellence, it rewards those who are passionate about making a real difference.
For many, Airbnb isn’t just a job — it’s a journey.