KnowBe4 fosters a distinctive workplace culture built on radical transparency, extreme ownership, and continuous professional development. Employees report high satisfaction, with 86% loving their workplace and 90% expressing positive sentiment towards their managers. The company emphasizes a fun and engaging environment, backed by strong leadership alignment around its mission to enhance cybersecurity awareness. KnowBe4 has been recognized as a Most Loved Workplace® since 2022.

What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?

Working at KnowBe4 means being part of an environment deeply rooted in principles of radical transparency, extreme ownership, and continuous professional development. The company aims to cultivate a culture where employees can be their authentic selves, finding their work both fun and engaging. This applies whether employees are working remotely or in an office setting [Company digest].

Transparency at KnowBe4 involves open and honest communication across all organizational levels, fostering trust and ensuring employees are well-informed about company decisions and direction. Extreme ownership encourages individuals to take full responsibility for their roles, promoting accountability, proactive problem-solving, and a shared commitment to the company's success. The company also emphasizes ongoing learning, providing opportunities for employees to enhance their skills and advance their careers [Company digest].

Employee sentiment data shows a high degree of satisfaction, with 86% of employees reporting they love their workplace overall. Furthermore, 90% express love for their manager, and 91% have a positive sentiment towards their colleagues. These figures contribute to an overall rating of 4.4 out of 5, with 83% of employees stating they would recommend the company to a friend [Company digest].

How does KnowBe4 pay compare?

Specific data regarding KnowBe4's compensation packages relative to industry benchmarks was not available in the provided sources. However, the company's strong employee sentiment and high recommendation rates suggest compensation is likely perceived by employees as fair or competitive within the industry [Company digest]. Without direct figures or third-party salary data, it is challenging to provide a detailed comparison.

What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?

While the provided information does not detail specific benefits or time-off policies, KnowBe4's commitment to employee well-being and satisfaction is evident through its recognition as a Most Loved Workplace® since 2022 [MLW Profile]. This certification often reflects robust benefits packages and supportive time-off policies that contribute to a positive work-life balance and overall thriving employee experience. The company's focus on continuous professional development also suggests benefits related to learning and career advancement [Company digest].

Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4

KnowBe4's culture is intentionally designed around radical transparency, extreme ownership, and continuous professional development. These core tenets aim to create an environment where employees are engaged and feel a strong connection to their work and the company's mission [Company digest]. The company makes a conscious effort to integrate these principles into daily operations and interactions, striving for a workplace that is both supportive and dynamic [MLW Profile].

Leadership plays a crucial role in reinforcing this culture. CEO Stu Sjouwerman provides a clear vision, uniting teams around the mission of helping organizations manage social engineering by training individuals to make smarter security decisions. This mission creates a strong sense of purpose and encourages a collaborative environment where employees understand the impact of their work [Company digest]. The clarity of leadership and mission alignment contribute significantly to a cohesive and motivated workforce [Company digest].

Beyond general employee satisfaction, KnowBe4 demonstrates a strong commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). The company has earned specialty recognitions across various categories, including Diversity, Women, Young Professionals, Career Advancement, Parents and Caregivers, Volunteering, and LGBTQ+. These recognitions highlight KnowBe4's dedication to creating an inclusive and supportive environment for all employees [MLW Profile]. The integration of fun and engagement into the everyday work experience is also a key cultural element, believed to enhance productivity and job satisfaction [Company digest].

The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4

While the specific details of KnowBe4's hiring and interview process are not extensively outlined in the provided sources, the company's emphasis on transparency, ownership, and continuous development suggests that candidates should be prepared to discuss these values during their application. Given the high employee recommendation rate (83% of employees would recommend the company to a friend), the hiring process likely reflects the positive internal culture and aims to identify individuals who align with these core principles [Company digest]. Prospective candidates may find benefit in researching the company's mission and cultural values to prepare for interviews that may assess alignment with these elements.

Career growth and learning at KnowBe4

KnowBe4 places a strong emphasis on continuous professional development, recognizing its importance for both individual and organizational progress. This commitment means that employees are provided with opportunities to enhance their skills and advance their careers within the company [Company digest]. The company's specialized recognitions, including for Career Advancement, further underscore its dedication to supporting employees' long-term professional journeys [MLW Profile]. This focus on learning and growth is a fundamental aspect of the employee experience at KnowBe4, helping individuals expand their capabilities and progress in their chosen fields.

Risks, criticisms, and what to watch

Based on the provided information, the primary focus is on the positive aspects of KnowBe4's workplace culture, with no direct mentions of significant risks or external criticisms. The overwhelmingly positive employee sentiment (86% loving their workplace, 4.4 out of 5 overall rating) suggests a generally healthy and well-regarded internal environment [Company digest]. The consistent recognition as a Most Loved Workplace® since 2022 and specialty awards across various diversity and career categories further support this positive view [MLW Profile].

However, potential areas for any company to continuously monitor include maintaining the high levels of transparency and ownership as the company scales, ensuring these principles remain actively integrated into daily operations. As with any growing organization, leadership will need to vigilantly uphold the stated cultural values to prevent potential disconnects between policy and practice [Company digest]. For prospective employees, assessing how these cultural tenets are demonstrated in specific team dynamics and projects can provide further insight.

KnowBe4 fosters a workplace where 92% of employees apply for roles when openings arise, reflecting deep engagement. The company is part of a certified network spanning 1,800 companies worldwide, impacting 2.8 million employees. Top-tier Most Loved Workplaces® like KnowBe4 often experience 4× higher revenue growth compared to industry peers and boast a 48% higher employee retention rate. Their success is frequently attributed to adhering to the SPARK framework: Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness.

How we researched this report: Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. Methodology: /methodology.

Working at KnowBe4: An Inside Look at Culture, Benefits & Careers