What's the Company Culture Like at GitLab?

At GitLab, collaboration is built around an asynchronous, remote-first model that prioritizes transparency, documentation, and efficiency. Teams work across 65+ countries and rely on written communication, shared tools, and a “single source of truth” in the company’s public handbook to stay aligned. Instead of relying heavily on meetings, GitLab emphasizes documenting work in issues, merge requests, and shared systems so that anyone can contribute, review progress, and stay informed regardless of time zone. This approach enables faster decision-making, greater visibility, and more inclusive participation across the organization.

Employees highlight that collaboration is deeply embedded in GitLab’s CREDIT values, especially Collaboration, Transparency, and Iteration. Team members are encouraged to contribute ideas early, work cross-functionally, and “fail forward” by iterating quickly rather than waiting for perfection. The TeamOps operating model reinforces this by promoting shared reality, equal contributions, and decentralized decision-making—allowing individuals closest to the work to take ownership while still aligning with company-wide goals. Stable cross-functional partnerships, direct communication (regardless of hierarchy), and a strong feedback culture further strengthen collaboration across teams.

Leadership supports this environment by modeling open communication, encouraging direct outreach (even across levels), and reinforcing documentation-first practices. Managers and team members alike are expected to communicate clearly, share progress transparently, and actively collaborate to solve problems. While meetings are used when necessary, they are intentionally minimized in favor of async workflows that improve efficiency and reduce friction in a global organization. Together, these practices create a highly collaborative environment where employees feel empowered to contribute, connect, and drive impact from anywhere.

Employee Perspective

“Everyone really trusts each other and the collaboration is so strong that you really feel like you are a part of something bigger.” 

— Courtney Meddaugh, Group Manager, Product

At-a-Glance

• Culture traits: Asynchronous, transparent, globally collaborative, documentation-first
• Core rituals & practices: Handbook-first documentation, issues & merge requests, async workflows, cross-functional collaboration, feedback culture
• Leadership style: Direct, non-hierarchical communication with emphasis on ownership and alignment

External Signals

• Employee recommendation sentiment: Employees rate GitLab’s culture highly, giving it an A+ on review sites — with employees highlighting the culture of transparency, remote work, and learning opportunities — earning it a status as a “Choice Employer.” (Comparably 2026)
• Collaborative Culture: Employees also describe the culture as full of “collaborative, smart, and supportive people across teams.” (Glassdoor 2026)
• Remote-First: Employees also highlight a “Fully remote culture that is genuinely embraced, not just advertised.” (Glassdoor 2026)
• External validation: Great Place to Work–certified (2026) with 92% of employees rating it as a “great place to work” (Great Place to Work).

At GitLab, employee recognition is closely tied to performance, impact, and alignment with company values. The company operates with a strong “results for customers” mindset, meaning contributions are recognized based on outcomes rather than activity. Recognition happens through a combination of formal processes—such as performance-based compensation, bonuses, promotions, and equity refresh grants—and everyday practices like feedback, visibility in shared workspaces, and contributions to team success. Because work is documented and public by default, achievements are highly visible across the organization, allowing individuals to gain recognition beyond their immediate teams.

Employees also highlight that recognition at GitLab is deeply connected to growth and development. Managers play a key role as coaches and advocates, regularly identifying strengths, providing feedback, and supporting career progression through internal mobility and stretch opportunities. Programs like the Growth and Development Fund, mentorship, and learning initiatives reinforce recognition by investing in employees’ long-term success. In practice, recognition often shows up as increased responsibility, ownership of key initiatives, and opportunities to lead or contribute to impactful work—rather than solely through formal awards.

Leadership reinforces recognition through a culture of transparency, feedback, and shared success. Team members are encouraged to give credit to others, collaborate openly, and celebrate team achievements, not just individual wins. The company’s emphasis on iteration and continuous improvement also means that contributions—including experiments and learnings—are valued, even when outcomes aren’t perfect. This creates an environment where employees feel seen for both their results and their growth, contributing to a strong sense of motivation and belonging.

Employee Perspective

“The degree of support and recognition for reaching quotas and goals is out of this world and makes me as an employee feel beyond valued and important, further enhancing my commitment to the company and my overall career goals.” 

— Eddy Popat, Account Executive

At-a-Glance

• Culture traits: Results-driven, growth-oriented, transparent, team-focused
• Core rituals & practices: Performance-based compensation, promotions, equity refresh grants, continuous feedback, public recognition through documentation
• Leadership style: Coaching-oriented, supportive, focused on development and shared success

External Signals

• Employee recommendation sentiment: Employees rate GitLab’s culture highly, giving it an A+ on review sites — with employees highlighting the culture of transparency, remote work, and learning opportunities — earning it a status as a “Choice Employer.” (Comparably 2026)
• Collaborative Culture: Employees also describe the culture as full of “collaborative, smart, and supportive people across teams.” (Glassdoor 2026)
• Remote-First: Employees also highlight a “Fully remote culture that is genuinely embraced, not just advertised.” (Glassdoor 2026)
• External validation: Great Place to Work–certified (2026) with 92% of employees rating it as a “great place to work” (Great Place to Work).