KnowBe4, a leader in security awareness training, fosters a workplace centered on radical transparency, extreme ownership, and continuous employee development. Recognized as a Most Loved Workplace® since 2022, the company prioritizes a welcoming and engaging environment, with strong leadership clarity under CEO Stu Sjouwerman. Employees report high satisfaction with overall workplace culture, management, and colleagues, driven by a commitment to helping organizations combat social engineering risks.

What is it actually like to work at KnowBe4?

Working at KnowBe4 is characterized by a culture of empowerment, accountability, and continuous growth within the cybersecurity sector. The company's operational philosophy is built on "radical transparency and extreme ownership," where employees are encouraged to take full responsibility for their roles and outcomes. This commitment to openness means employees are well-informed and empowered to contribute to the company's mission of enhancing security awareness and combating social engineering risks [Company digest].

KnowBe4 has been consistently recognized as a Most Loved Workplace® since 2022, a testament to its focus on employee sentiment and well-being. The company specifically aims to create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, emphasizing fun and excitement in daily work, whether on-site or remote. This dedication to a positive work environment, coupled with clear leadership direction, contributes to a strong sense of purpose and collective achievement among employees [MLW Certification]. Metrics from employee sentiment data highlight this positive experience:

Love of Workplace: 86% of employees express strong positive feelings towards their workplace.
Love of Manager: 90% of employees have a positive view of their direct managers.
Love of Colleagues: 91% of employees report positive relationships with their teammates.
Overall Rating: The company maintains a 4.4 out of 5 overall rating.
Recommendation: 83% of employees would recommend KnowBe4 to a friend [CertCheck Profile].

How does KnowBe4 pay compare?

Specific salary data for KnowBe4 employees is not provided in publicly available Most Loved Workplaces® data. However, the company's commitment to employee well-being and growth suggests a competitive compensation structure aiming to attract and retain top talent in the cybersecurity industry [MLW Certification]. Candidates can find general industry compensation benchmarks for roles within security awareness training and anti-phishing solutions through resources like Glassdoor and Indeed, though these do not reflect KnowBe4-specific figures without direct application or employee input [Glassdoor, Indeed].

What benefits and time-off does KnowBe4 offer?

While detailed benefit packages are not explicitly outlined in the source information, KnowBe4's recognition as a Most Loved Workplace® implies a comprehensive approach to employee benefits. Loved workplaces typically offer robust health, wellness, and time-off programs designed to support employee work-life balance and overall well-being. The culture of valuing and engaging employees suggests that benefits packages would be crafted to enhance employee satisfaction and retention [MLW Certification]. For specifics, candidates should consult KnowBe4's official careers portal or inquire during the interview process [KnowBe4 Careers].

Culture, leadership, and DEI at KnowBe4

KnowBe4's culture is rooted in "radical transparency and extreme ownership," fostering an environment where employees are accountable for their contributions and well-informed about company operations. This commitment to openness discourages silos and encourages proactive problem-solving across teams. The company aims for a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, whether employees work remotely or in person, ensuring that daily tasks are perceived as both fun and fulfilling [Company digest].

Leadership at KnowBe4, under <a href="/ceos/stu-sjouwerman">CEO Stu Sjouwerman</a>, is characterized by providing clear direction and uniting teams around a shared mission to combat social engineering. This clarity in purpose helps employees feel connected to the company's overarching goals, contributing to a strong sense of collective achievement. Employee sentiment data further reinforces confidence in leadership, with 90% of employees expressing a positive view of their managers [CertCheck Profile].

While specific details on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives are not explicitly detailed in the provided materials, a core component of a healthy workplace culture, particularly for a Most Loved Workplace®, typically involves fostering an inclusive environment. The emphasis on creating a welcoming workplace where individuals can "be themselves" suggests an inherent commitment to valuing diverse perspectives and backgrounds [MLW Profile].

The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4

The hiring and interview process at KnowBe4 is designed to align with its culture of transparency and engagement. Prospective candidates can expect a process that evaluates not only technical skills but also alignment with the company's core values of radical transparency and extreme ownership. The emphasis on creating a welcoming and engaging environment implies an interview experience that is respectful and informative [Company digest].

Companies recognized as Most Loved Workplaces® often seek individuals who demonstrate a proactive attitude, a willingness to take accountability, and a desire for continuous professional development. Candidates should prepare to discuss their experiences with problem-solving, collaboration, and how they would contribute to a mission-driven organization focused on cybersecurity. As with any hiring process, researching current openings on the official KnowBe4 careers page and preparing behavioral questions are key steps [KnowBe4 Careers].

Career growth and learning at KnowBe4

KnowBe4 places a strong emphasis on continuous professional development, providing employees with ample opportunities to grow their skills and advance their careers. This focus on learning is integrated into the daily work experience, ensuring that employees are consistently challenged and supported in their professional journeys. The company actively supports career advancement, which is further highlighted by its recognition as a Top Most Loved Workplace® for Career Advancement [CertCheck Profile].

This commitment means that employees at KnowBe4 are not just performing tasks but are actively mentored and provided with resources to upskill and take on new responsibilities. For those looking to progress within the cybersecurity industry, KnowBe4 offers a pathway for sustained development, reflecting the broader trend in loved workplaces to invest in their people's long-term success [MLW Certification].

Risks, criticisms, and what to watch

While KnowBe4 exhibits strong positive employee sentiment and a culture of transparency, like any rapidly growing company in a dynamic industry, potential challenges can arise. Rapid growth can sometimes strain resources or existing structures, necessitating continuous adaptation in management practices and internal communication [Indeed]. While the company values radical transparency, ensuring this ethos scales effectively with an expanding workforce is crucial.

Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving field, which requires employees to stay abreast of new threats and technologies. This continuous demand for learning, while supported by KnowBe4's development programs, can create pressure. Prospective employees should consider their comfort with a fast-paced, high-accountability environment. Overall, KnowBe4's strong employee satisfaction metrics suggest these challenges are generally well-managed, but candidates should always conduct thorough due diligence, including researching current news and employee reviews for real-time insights [Glassdoor].

Most Loved Workplaces® context

KnowBe4's commitment to its employees reflects the characteristics of a Most Loved Workplace®. The Best Practice Institute's research shows that 92% of employees at Most Loved Workplaces® apply for roles when openings arise, indicating high loyalty and engagement across the 2.8 million employees in the 1,800 certified companies worldwide. Top-tier Most Loved Workplaces®, like KnowBe4, demonstrate 4× higher revenue growth and 48% higher employee retention compared to industry peers. They achieve this through adherence to the SPARK framework: Systemic Collaboration, Positive Vision of the Future, Alignment of Values, Respect, and Kindness.

How we researched this report

This report was prepared by Best Practice Institute Editorial Staff. Our methodology is detailed on our /methodology page.

What's it like to work at KnowBe4?