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Global Benefits Survey

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Global Benefits Survey

GitLab has incorporated the annual benefits survey as part of the Engagement Survey from 2021 forward. The Total Rewards team will review the engagement scores relating to Benefits along with market data from our Broker, Willis Towers Watson, to iterate on benefits offerings each year.

If you have any feedback or questions please contact Total Rewards.

Prior Global Benefits Surveys

2020 Survey Results Roadmap

Global Benefits Survey Results 2020

Participation: 62% (0% YOY change)

Rating Rubric 5 - strongly agree 4 - agree 3 - neutral 2 - disagree 1 - strongly disagree

Benefits Satisfaction Score

The benefits satisfaction score is an average of responses to all ratings questions including general company-wide benefits questions and country-specific questions. Country breakdown only provided for n>4.

By Country:

Country Score
Australia 3.68
Austria 3.32
Canada 3.46
Germany 3.52
Hungary 3.44
India 3.48
Ireland 3.06
Mexico 3.42
Netherlands 3.26
New Zealand 3.61
Poland 3.59
Romania 3.51
Russian Federation 3.63
Singapore 3.33
South Africa 3.79
Turkey 3.81
Ukraine 3.43
United Kingdom 3.48
United States 3.69

By demographic:

Demographic Score
Male 3.60
Female 3.59
Individual Contributor 3.64
Manager 3.47
Leader 3.49
Company Overall 3.60

General Benefits Survey Responses

  1. I understand my benefits package at GitLab.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 4.16 3.89 -7.63%
    Female 4.21 3.87 -6.86%
    Individual Contributor 4.13 3.88 -6.15%
    Manager 4.35 3.88 -10.90%
    Leader 4.46 4.00 -10.31%
    Company Overall 4.18 3.88 -7.07%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.98
    Austria 3.40
    Canada 3.73
    Germany 3.72
    Hungary 3.25
    India 3.67
    Ireland 3.70
    Mexico 3.50
    Netherlands 3.56
    New Zealand 4.18
    Poland 4.00
    Romania 3.86
    Russian Federation 4.00
    Singapore 3.67
    South Africa 3.40
    Turkey 3.60
    Ukraine 3.40
    United Kingdom 3.86
    United States 3.99

  2. The general benefits at GitLab are equal to or better than what is offered by similar employers.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 3.67 3.42 -6.90%
    Female 3.66 3.46 -5.58%
    Individual Contributor 3.72 3.50 -5.80%
    Manager 3.33 3.23 -2.98%
    Leader 3.46 3.12 -9.96%
    Company Overall 3.66 3.43 -6.31%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.51
    Austria 2.20
    Canada 3.17
    Germany 3.24
    Hungary 3.13
    India 3.00
    Ireland 2.57
    Mexico 2.67
    Netherlands 2.75
    New Zealand 3.55
    Poland 3.58
    Romania 3.29
    Russian Federation 3.00
    Singapore 2.67
    South Africa 3.67
    Turkey 3.40
    Ukraine 3.60
    United Kingdom 3.18
    United States 3.64

  3. The general benefits at GitLab save me a great deal of time and/or money, and add significant value to my employee experience.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 3.75 3.65 -2.66%
    Female 3.79 3.59 -5.40%
    Individual Contributor 3.83 3.70 -3.39%
    Manager 3.38 3.41 0.84%
    Leader 3.54 3.43 -3.00%
    Company Overall 3.77 3.63 -3.71%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.67
    Austria 3.20
    Canada 3.40
    Germany 3.86
    Hungary 3.75
    India 3.73
    Ireland 3.00
    Mexico 3.50
    Netherlands 2.96
    New Zealand 3.36
    Poland 3.42
    Romania 3.71
    Russian Federation 3.33
    Singapore 2.83
    South Africa 3.50
    Turkey 3.60
    Ukraine 3.60
    United Kingdom 3.21
    United States 3.79

  4. My benefits package provides quality coverage for myself and, if applicable, my dependents.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 3.59 3.82 6.45%
    Female 3.63 3.72 2.39%
    Individual Contributor 3.63 3.77 3.86%
    Manager 3.38 3.83 13.36%
    Leader 3.58 3.81 6.41%
    Company Overall 3.60 3.79 5.14%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Canada 3.68
    India 2.07
    United Kingdom 3.06
    United States 3.94

  5. The wellness offerings at GitLab help me lead a happier, healthier life.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 3.39 3.23 -4.86%
    Female 3.28 3.28 -0.01%
    Individual Contributor 3.41 3.31 -3.07%
    Manager 3.26 3.01 -7.76%
    Leader 2.92 3.18 8.78%
    Company Overall 3.36 3.24 -3.50%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.07
    Canada 3.36
    Germany 2.74
    Hungary 2.88
    India 3.27
    Ireland 2.57
    Mexico 3.33
    Netherlands 2.74
    New Zealand 3.20
    Poland 2.83
    Romania 3.14
    Russian Federation 2.83
    Singapore 3.50
    South Africa 4.17
    Turkey 3.80
    Ukraine 3.20
    United Kingdom 3.04
    United States 3.41

  6. I believe our benefits package is one of the top reasons people apply to work at GitLab.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 2.87 3.04 5.87%
    Female 2.81 3.16 12.40%
    Individual Contributor 2.96 3.18 7.38%
    Manager 2.40 2.76 14.87%
    Leader 2.35 2.79 18.83%
    Company Overall 2.86 3.08 7.55%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.19
    Canada 2.57
    Germany 3.24
    Hungary 3.63
    India 3.07
    Ireland 2.48
    Mexico 3.00
    Netherlands 2.68
    New Zealand 3.09
    Poland 3.33
    Romania 2.71
    Russian Federation 2.67
    Singapore 2.17
    South Africa 3.40
    Turkey 3.20
    Ukraine 2.80
    United Kingdom 2.73
    United States 3.19

  7. Should I have or care for a(nother) child, the parental leave policy is sufficient.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 3.95 3.95 0.09%
    Female 3.44 3.60 4.60%
    Individual Contributor 3.82 3.84 0.49%
    Manager 3.61 3.89 7.68%
    Leader 4.04 3.80 -6.04%
    Company Overall 3.81 3.84 0.91%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.85
    Austria 3.80
    Canada 3.50
    Germany 3.62
    Hungary 3.88
    India 3.79
    Ireland 3.39
    Mexico 4.00
    Netherlands 3.57
    New Zealand 3.44
    Poland 3.64
    Romania 3.00
    Russian Federation 3.50
    Singapore 3.33
    South Africa 4.33
    Turkey 4.60
    Ukraine 3.20
    United Kingdom 3.80
    United States 3.97

  8. The vacation policy allows me sufficient time to recharge.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 4.48 4.39 -2.09%
    Female 4.40 4.37 -0.68%
    Individual Contributor 4.49 4.43 -1.29%
    Manager 4.27 4.24 -0.79%
    Leader 4.38 4.21 -3.94%
    Company Overall 4.46 4.38 -1.76%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 4.49
    Austria 4.80
    Canada 4.30
    Germany 4.21
    Hungary 4.50
    India 4.33
    Ireland 3.83
    Mexico 4.00
    Netherlands 4.40
    New Zealand 4.36
    Poland 4.42
    Romania 4.43
    Russian Federation 4.50
    Singapore 4.50
    South Africa 4.67
    Turkey 4.60
    Ukraine 4.80
    United Kingdom 4.47
    United States 4.40

  9. I believe our benefits package is one of the top reasons why people stay at GitLab.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 3.08 3.24 5.21%
    Female 3.13 3.31 5.77%
    Individual Contributor 3.21 3.35 4.36%
    Manager 2.58 3.00 16.28%
    Leader 2.54 2.98 17.37%
    Company Overall 3.09 3.26 5.58%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.30
    Austria 2.80
    Canada 2.80
    Germany 3.41
    Hungary 3.25
    India 3.07
    Ireland 2.65
    Mexico 3.17
    Netherlands 2.79
    New Zealand 3.27
    Poland 3.50
    Romania 3.14
    Russian Federation 3.50
    Singapore 2.33
    South Africa 3.50
    Turkey 3.20
    Ukraine 2.60
    United Kingdom 3.04
    United States 3.38

  10. I believe investing more of the company’s money into improving benefits at GitLab will help to attract and retain talent.

    GitLab 2019 Score 2020 Score YOY Change
    Male 4.16 4.13 -0.68%
    Female 4.25 4.16 -2.07%
    Individual Contributor 4.20 4.16 -0.97%
    Manager 4.25 4.11 -3.27%
    Leader 3.85 4.02 4.39%
    Company Overall 4.18 4.14 -0.93%

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.98
    Austria 4.40
    Canada 3.97
    Germany 4.29
    Hungary 4.13
    India 4.33
    Ireland 4.57
    Mexico 4.00
    Netherlands 3.92
    New Zealand 3.82
    Poland 3.83
    Romania 3.43
    Russian Federation 4.50
    Singapore 4.33
    South Africa 4.33
    Turkey 4.60
    Ukraine 3.40
    United Kingdom 4.33
    United States 4.12

  11. When I take time off, I don't feel it is necessary to check in with work periodically.

    GitLab 2020 Score
    Male 3.67
    Female 3.40
    Individual Contributor 3.68
    Manager 3.33
    Leader 3.23
    Company Overall 3.59

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 4.05
    Austria 3.40
    Canada 3.40
    Germany 3.79
    Hungary 3.25
    India 4.20
    Ireland 2.96
    Mexico 2.83
    Netherlands 3.52
    New Zealand 3.55
    Poland 3.83
    Romania 3.71
    Russian Federation 4.00
    Singapore 4.00
    South Africa 4.00
    Turkey 4.00
    Ukraine 3.60
    United Kingdom 3.53
    United States 3.50

  12. I understand how our PTO works in sync with my local statutory PTO entitlement.

    GitLab 2020 Score
    Male 3.98
    Female 4.02
    Individual Contributor 4.02
    Manager 3.85
    Leader 4.12
    Company Overall 3.99

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.79
    Austria 3.60
    Canada 4.00
    Germany 4.00
    Hungary 4.00
    India 4.47
    Ireland 3.78
    Mexico 3.83
    Netherlands 4.08
    New Zealand 4.18
    Poland 4.00
    Romania 4.43
    Russian Federation 4.67
    Singapore 3.50
    South Africa 3.33
    Turkey 4.20
    Ukraine 4.20
    United Kingdom 3.88
    United States 4.04

  13. I believe our Employee Assistance Plan offered by Modern Health is a valuable benefit worth retaining.

    GitLab 2020 Score
    Male 3.10
    Female 3.40
    Individual Contributor 3.20
    Manager 3.14
    Leader 3.22
    Company Overall 3.19

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 3.21
    Austria 3.00
    Canada 2.93
    Germany 2.54
    Hungary 2.86
    India 3.14
    Ireland 2.91
    Mexico 3.80
    Netherlands 2.70
    New Zealand 3.00
    Poland 2.67
    Romania 3.14
    Russian Federation 2.40
    Singapore 3.33
    South Africa 4.00
    Ukraine 2.40
    United Kingdom 3.20
    United States 3.37

  14. If I have questions or concerns regarding benefits, I know whom to reach out to.

    GitLab 2020 Score
    Male 3.85
    Female 3.78
    Individual Contributor 3.77
    Manager 3.97
    Leader 4.08
    Company Overall 3.82

    By Country:

    Country 2020 Score
    Australia 4.02
    Austria 3.60
    Canada 3.90
    Germany 3.61
    Hungary 3.25
    India 3.73
    Ireland 3.65
    Mexico 3.50
    Netherlands 3.52
    New Zealand 3.91
    Poland 3.75
    Romania 4.14
    Russian Federation 4.17
    Singapore 3.50
    South Africa 4.50
    Turkey 3.60
    Ukraine 3.40
    United Kingdom 3.77
    United States 3.87

  15. What has worked best in convincing me to take PTO?

    Response Count % of Respondents
    Stress 333 42%
    Example from my manager. 391 50%
    Encouragement from my manager/peers to support my wellbeing through time off.  475 61%
    Example from leaders, for example Sid. 456 58%
    Reduced workload. 101 13%
    Other (Expanded on below.) 118 15%
    • Summary of Other Responses:
      • When I feel it's needed.
      • Family first/family time.
      • Addressing burn out/taking time to rest.
      • Example from peers.
      • Time Off by Deel reminders.
      • Family and Friends Day specifically.

  16. I participated in the Simple Habit free trial and would like to see this benefit offered permanently (survey respondents were instructed to select one).

    Response Count % of Respondents
    Yes, I participated and agree with the statement above. 15 2%
    No, I did not participate, but am interested in GitLab offering a meditation and mental-wellness benefit in addition to Modern Health. 500 64%
    Yes, I participated and do not agree with the statement above. 6 1%
    No, I did not participate and am not interested in GitLab offering a mediation and mental-wellness benefit. 258 33%

  17. What corporate social responsibility activities would you like to see GitLab enter? The purpose of corporate social responsibility is to give back to the community, take part in philanthropic causes, and provide positive social value. 

    • Summary of Responses:
      • Giving team members a set amount of money to donate to causes they support each year.
      • Donation matching for donations made by team members or hours volunteered.
      • Community/Volunteer Day(s) similar to Family and Friends Day where everyone has the day off.
      • Youth initiatives including supporting underrepresented, underprivileged, and/or minority youth in their education, coding, mentorship, etc.
      • Donating to and supporting causes that support ending inequality such as causes that support LGBTQ+ people, Black Lives Matter, organizations that support minorities and minorities in tech, etc.
      • Coding initiatives especially for women and minorities.
      • Donating to and supporting environmental causes, reducing our carbon footprint, creating an incentive program for team members to be more green.
      • Supporting open source projects.
      • Donating free licenses and GitLab support/training to charitable organizations.
      • Providing mentorships and internships in support of D&I initiatives.

Entity Specific Questions

  1. The country-specific benefits provided by GitLab are comparable or better than what is offered by similar employers in my country.

    GitLab Australia Score United States Score Netherlands Score Canada Score India Score United Kingdom Score Germany Score New Zealand Score
    Male 3.21 3.75 2.29 3.14 2.18 3.12 2.91 3.50
    Female 4.67 3.72 2.71 3.00 2.75 2.79 3.20 3.00
    Individual Contributor 3.50 3.79 2.53 3.19 2.29 3.05 3.22 3.50
    Manager 2.89 3.70 2.50 2.71 3.00 3.00 1.50 3.00
    Leader 2.50 3.46 1.67 4.00 n/a 2.00 n/a n/a
    Overall 3.32 3.74 2.42 3.10 2.33 3.02 2.96 3.43

  2. My benefits package provides quality coverage for myself and, if applicable, my dependents.

    GitLab United States Score Canada Score India Score United Kingdom Score
    Male 4.00 3.71 1.91 3.12
    Female 3.83 3.57 2.50 2.93
    Individual Contributor 3.94 3.86 2.00 3.08
    Manager 3.99 3.00 3.00 3.00
    Leader 3.83 4.00 n/a 3.00
    Overall 3.94 3.68 2.07 3.06

  3. The benefits provided by Safeguard are comparable or better than what is offered by similar employers.

    GitLab Ireland Score Hungary Score
    Male 1.54 2.67
    Female 1.50 1.50
    Individual Contributor 1.59 2.20
    Manager 1.25 n/a
    Leader 1.50 n/a
    Overall 1.52 2.20

  4. I am satisfied with my employment through Safeguard and know who to contact if any problems were to arise.

    GitLab Ireland Score Hungary Score
    Male 2.38 3.33
    Female 2.20 3.00
    Individual Contributor 2.35 3.20
    Manager 2.25 n/a
    Leader 2.00 n/a
    Overall 2.30 3.20

  5. The 401k match is equivalent to or better than what is offered by similar companies.

    GitLab United States Score
    Male 2.66
    Female 2.73
    Individual Contributor 2.77
    Manager 2.52
    Leader 2.48
    Overall 2.69

  6. The 17% uplift to my salary is sufficient to pay for costs and benefits that would ordinarily be paid for by an employer.

    GitLab Austria Score Mexico Score Poland Score Romania Score Russian Federation Score Singapore Score Turkey Score Ukraine Score
    Male 3.20 3.33 3.57 2.67 4.00 3.00 3.00 3.50
    Female n/a 2.33 3.00 3.25 2.50 n/a 5.00 4.00
    Individual Contributor 3.00 2.60 3.44 3.00 3.80 3.00 3.40 3.50
    Manager n/a 4.00 3.00 n/a 2.00 n/a n/a 5.00
    Leader 4.00 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a
    Overall 3.20 2.83 3.40 3.00 3.50 3.00 3.40 3.80

  7. Out of the following options, which benefit would you most like to see GitLab offer in the future? (select up to 4)

  1. Which benefit would you be most willing to sacrifice to allow for new benefits?
  1. Which benefits do you most want GitLab to retain? (select up to 4)
  1. What provider for Health/Medical benefits do you prefer?
Response Count % of Respondents
UHC 185 43%
Anthem/BCBS 79 18%
Cigna 34 8%
Kaiser 32 7%
Aetna 20 5%
Humana 4 1%
No Preference 14 3%
No Response 63 15%
Other (Expanded on below.) 16 4%
Response Count % of Respondents
Canada Life 14 47%
Manulife 6 20%
Sunlife 1 3%
Blue Cross 1 3%
No Response 4 13%
No Preference 2 7%
Other 2 7%
Response Count % of Respondents
ICICI Lombard 4 27%
HDFC ERGO / Apollo Munich 3 20%
Bajaj Allianz 2 13%
No Response 3 20%
Other (Expanded on below.) 3 20%
Response Count % of Respondents
BUPA 12 24%
AXA PPP 11 22%
Virgin Active 2 4%
Simply Health 1 2%
Aviva 1 2%
No Response 12 14%
Other (Expanded on below.) 22 45%
  1. What provider for Dental/Vision do you prefer?
Response Count % of Respondents
Cigna 153 35%
Delta/Dental 96 22%
UHC 20 5%
Anthem/BCBS 19 4%
Aetna 16 4%
Metlife 13 3%
No Preference 19 4%
No Response 87 20%
Other (Expanded on below.) 16 4%
  1. What provider for spending accounts do you prefer (HSA, FSA, LPFSA)?
Response Count % of Respondents
Discovery 113 26%
Optum 47 11%
WageWorks 44 10%
No Preference 17 4%
No Response 151 35%
Other (Expanded on below.) 53 12%
  1. If GitLab were to convert you to a team member employed through an entity, what benefits would you expect to receive/are offered by most employers in your country? (select all that apply)
Response Austria (% of Respondents) Mexico (% of Respondents) Poland (% of Respondents) Romania (% of Respondents) Russian Federation (% of Respondents) Singapore (% of Respondents) Turkey (% of Respondents) Ukraine (% of Respondents)
Health insurance. 80% 100% 92% 100% 100% 83% 100% 60%
Dental insurance. 60% 33% 42% 71% 83% 100% 60% 40%
Vision insurance. 20% 33% 25% 43% 17% 83% 40% 20%
Optional life insurance. 20% 50% 50% 71% 50% 83% 40% 0%
Disability insurance. 20% 33% 33% 29% 17% 83% 40% 20%
Pension. 80% 67% 58% 86% 50% 50% 100% 40%
  1. If GitLab were to convert you to a team member employed through an entity, what benefits could GitLab offer that would be considered premium/only a top-tier employer would provide? (select all that apply)
Response Austria (% of Respondents) Mexico (% of Respondents) Poland (% of Respondents) Romania (% of Respondents) Russian Federation (% of Respondents) Singapore (% of Respondents) Turkey (% of Respondents) Ukraine (% of Respondents)
Health insurance. 0% 17% 8% 29% 17% 83% 20% 40%
Dental insurance. 20% 67% 50% 71% 67% 67% 60% 60%
Vision insurance. 40% 33% 17% 57% 33% 83% 40% 20%
Optional life insurance. 60% 0% 25% 71% 50% 67% 60% 20%
Disability insurance. 20% 17% 8% 43% 50% 83% 20% 40%
Pension. 0% 50% 8% 43% 17% 33% 20% 60%

Benefits Not Currently Being Implemented

This section serves to highlight benefits that we have previously researched, but have decided not to move forward with implementing at this time. As the company grows, circumstances change, and/or we receive new information, we may decide to revisit any benefits added to this list.

Telehealth

We researched and selected four vendors to receive more information. Demo calls were conducted with three of these vendors where we learned more about the solutions and pricing. After reviewing the results of the benefits survey, there wasn’t enough interest in a telehealth solution to justify the price so we decided to not move forward with any of the vendors at this time.

While we aren't offering a global telehealth solution at this time, team members based in the US who are enrolled in our Cigna or Kaiser medical plans can access telehealth services through these plans. Other team members may have options for telehealth available to them through their provider.

Further information and corresponding discussion are available under Compensation Issue #15 (internal).

Coworking Space Agreement

We researched whether there was an account that could be set up with a coworking space chain that would make it easier for team members to utilize these spaces. Three major chains with global coverage were contacted with one responding. After conducting a survey, the type of account this chain offers doesn't align with the way the majority of team members utilize coworking spaces. Team members are still welcome to follow the existing process of expensing a coworking space.

Further information, survey results, and corresponding discussion are available under Total Rewards Issue #30 (internal).

Wellness Program

We researched and selected three vendors and conducted a cost analysis with Finance. At this time, it does not fit into the budget for benefits to be offered for FY21, but will be revisited when we evaluate benefits and budget for the next fiscal year. Further information and corresponding discussion are available under Total Rewards Issue #37 (internal).

SafetyWing

SafetyWing is a global medical benefits provider. At this time we will not be offering this benefit globally as we are focused on entity specific benefits (which many have medical plans already in place) and the ongoing international expansion process (where a team member is converted to an employee of either a PEO or a GitLab Entity). Further information, survey results, and corresponding discussion are available under Total Rewards Issue #124 (internal).

Family Planning

GitLab has reviewed adding more comprehensive family planning benefits. We did a introductory call with a company that provides fertility benefits who advised the company would pay claims out of pocket which integrates better with self funded medical plans. Since we are not yet at the size or stage to be self funded it would currently be difficult to offer this benefit. At the time we are able to be self funded we will reevaluate. Further information and corresponding discussion are available under Total Rewards Issue #196 (internal).

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