KnowBe4, a cybersecurity training company, fosters a culture of radical transparency and extreme ownership, empowering employees to take responsibility and contribute meaningfully. The company prioritizes continuous professional development, offering opportunities for skill growth and career advancement. Employees report high satisfaction, with 86% loving their workplace overall, and 90% loving their managers. This environment is bolstered by a strong connection to a mission-driven purpose: protecting organizations from social engineering threats through education.

What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?

Working at KnowBe4 is characterized by a strong culture built on radical transparency and extreme ownership, where employees are encouraged to take personal responsibility for their work and contribute to collective goals. This approach aims to foster accountability and pride across all levels of the organization [Company digest]. The company's mission is to help organizations manage social engineering risks by training individuals to make smarter security decisions, providing a clear focus that unites teams and individual contributions [CertCheck profile].

Daily life at KnowBe4 is designed to be engaging and enjoyable, with a culture that encourages authenticity and fun. This focus contributes to high levels of employee satisfaction regarding relationships with both managers and colleagues. Employee sentiment data indicates that 90% of employees love their manager, and 91% feel the same about their colleagues. Overall, 86% of employees report loving their workplace, contributing to an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5 [CertCheck profile].

Beyond individual contributions, KnowBe4 emphasizes connection to a vital mission: protecting organizations from social engineering threats. This purposeful work fosters a strong sense of connection among employees, who understand the real-world impact of their contributions. The broader commitment to community is also evident through the company's recognition as a Top Most Loved Workplace® for Volunteering [CertCheck profile].

How does KnowBe4 pay compare?

While specific compensation details and salary data were not provided in the source material, the emphasis at KnowBe4 on employee satisfaction, ownership, and career development suggests a potential correlation with competitive reward structures. Organizations that prioritize employee well-being and growth often align with industry standards or above to attract and retain talent. Further research into publicly available salary aggregators (such as Glassdoor or Indeed) would be required to establish specific compensation benchmarks for roles at KnowBe4 against industry medians.

What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?

The provided information focuses more on cultural and professional development benefits rather than explicit time-off or healthcare package details. However, a company culture that fosters engagement and prioritizes employee well-being typically includes a comprehensive benefits package. KnowBe4's dedication to supporting its workforce is indicated by its specialty recognitions for Diversity, Women, Young Professionals, Career Advancement, Parents and Caregivers, and LGBTQ+ individuals [CertCheck profile]. These recognitions often signify policies and benefits designed to support diverse employee needs, including potentially flexible work arrangements, parental support programs, and inclusive health benefits. For precise information on health coverage, retirement plans, and time-off policies, candidates are encouraged to consult KnowBe4's official careers portal or inquire during the interview process.

Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4

KnowBe4's culture is rooted in radical transparency and extreme ownership. Radical transparency ensures open communication, keeping employees informed and aligned with broader company objectives [Company digest]. Extreme ownership encourages employees to take personal responsibility for their work, fostering accountability and pride in achieving collective goals [CertCheck profile]. This dual emphasis empowers individuals to contribute meaningfully to the company's success.

Leadership at KnowBe4, spearheaded by CEO Stu Sjouwerman, focuses on providing clear direction and uniting teams around their critical mission of enhancing cybersecurity awareness globally [MLW profile]. This clear leadership and mission-driven approach contribute to a workplace where 90% of employees love their manager and 91% love their colleagues [CertCheck profile].

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) are integral to KnowBe4's workplace. The company has received specialty recognitions for its support of Diversity, Women, Young Professionals, Parents and Caregivers, and LGBTQ+ individuals [CertCheck profile]. This commitment indicates an environment designed to be supportive and inclusive for a wide range of employees, fostering opportunities for all to thrive and advance their careers.

The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4

While specific details about the hiring and interview process at KnowBe4 are not explicitly provided, companies with high employee satisfaction often employ structured and transparent recruitment methods. Given KnowBe4's emphasis on radical transparency and extreme ownership within its culture, it is reasonable to infer that their hiring process likely aims to identify candidates who align with these values. Interviews may focus on assessing a candidate's problem-solving skills, ability to take initiative, and comfort with open communication.

Candidates applying to KnowBe4 should prepare to demonstrate their alignment with the company's mission to combat social engineering threats and their capacity for continuous learning. Researching the company's products and services, understanding its commitment to cybersecurity training, and preparing to discuss experiences that showcase personal responsibility and collaborative spirit would be beneficial. Employers certified as Most Loved Workplaces® often seek individuals who will contribute positively to their established healthy workplace environments [CertCheck profile].

Career growth and learning at KnowBe4

KnowBe4 places a significant emphasis on continuous professional development, recognizing its importance for employee growth and career advancement. This commitment is reflected in the company's dedication to equipping employees with the tools and knowledge necessary to excel in their roles and contribute effectively to the mission of enhancing cybersecurity awareness globally [CertCheck profile].

The company has received specific recognition for Career Advancement, underscoring its proactive approach to fostering opportunities for employees to grow their skills and progress within the organization. This focus means that employees routinely engage with new challenges and learning opportunities. KnowBe4's support for various employee groups, including Diversity, Women, and Young Professionals, further illustrates its dedication to creating a supportive environment for ongoing learning and career progression across its workforce [CertCheck profile]. Employees seeking to develop their skill sets and advance their careers within a mission-driven tech company will find the environment at KnowBe4 conducive to their professional aspirations [Company digest].

Risks, criticisms, and what to watch

While the provided evidence highlights many positive aspects of working at KnowBe4, a comprehensive understanding should also consider potential areas for vigilance. The available information strongly emphasizes a positive and supportive work environment, with high employee satisfaction rates regarding managers and colleagues. However, like any rapidly growing technology company in a dynamic sector like cybersecurity, potential challenges can arise.

Factors to consider might include the intensity of work in a mission-critical industry, the potential for high demands, or the constant need for skill updates to keep pace with evolving cyber threats. While extreme ownership is a core value, it's essential for individuals to understand how this translates into workload management and support structures. Employees considering KnowBe4 should inquire about work-life balance initiatives, specific professional development resources, and feedback mechanisms to ensure alignment with personal career goals and expectations for a healthy workplace. Regularly accessing independent employee reviews on platforms like Glassdoor or Indeed (with an understanding that these are self-reported and not always fully representative) can offer additional, albeit less authoritative, perspectives on employee experiences.

KnowBe4 has been certified as a Most Loved Workplace® since 2022, signifying that the company has undergone a rigorous assessment of its employee sentiment and practices. Across our certified network, 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise, reflecting deep loyalty. Our research, covering 2.8 million employees across 1,800 certified companies worldwide, consistently shows that top-tier Most Loved Workplaces® achieve 4× higher revenue growth and 48% higher employee retention compared to industry peers. These organizations excel by integrating the SPARK framework: Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness.

Prepared by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff for The Workplace Report. Methodology: Most Loved Workplace® Methodology.

Is KnowBe4 a Most Loved Workplace®? What's it like to work there?