Team Member Relations at GitLab
Team Member Relations
Team Member Relations Philosophy
GitLab expects everyone to treat others with fairness, respect, and transparency. We encourage mutual responsibility for constructive work relationships, communication, information sharing, problem solving, and resolving differences through safe, neutral processes. We encourage direct and honest communication between all team members, regardless of title or level, and per our values, we do not pull rank. This enhances understanding, avoids misunderstandings, and helps resolve concerns.
We have built this philosophy to focus on these 4 pillars in line with our values:
Commitments
- We are committed to providing a safe environment for all GitLab team members to achieve maximum career development and goal achievement.
- We are committed to treating each team member as an individual and providing a workplace where communication is transparent and where problems can be discussed and resolved in a mutually respectful environment. To foster this environment we take into account individual team member circumstances while balancing the needs of the business.
Team Member Relations Function
Team Member Relations assists team members and their leaders with resolving work related issues. The Team Member Relations team (TMR) respects the privacy of all team members and treats discussions with the fullest degree of confidentiality possible. We have incorporated our Values and the Code of Business Conduct and Ethics into our team member relations practices and philosophy. We believe that by communicating with each other directly and transparently, we can continue to resolve any difficulties that may arise and continue to make GitLab a great place to work.
For Team Members
The team member relations function provides all GitLab team members an avenue to express workplace concerns and to resolve conflicts in a safe and unbiased forum.
- The team member relations group is here to listen to team member concerns in an unbiased, open and professional manner.
- Team members can express themselves openly and freely without fear of retaliation.
- All team members are expected to maintain professional standards in their behavior and interactions. Please be mindful of our Effective and Responsible Communication Guidelines when communicating with colleagues. We value and encourage direct feedback between team members as part of our collaborative culture.
- Team members can discuss reasonable accommodations or any related questions.
To discuss a private matter, team members should email our Team Member Relations team at teammemberrelations@gitlab.com. The Team Member Relations team will respond within one business day.
Team members can use Gitlab’s Harassment Complaint Form to document any instance of workplace harassment. Simply copy the form, fill it out with your information, and send it to our Team Member Relations team at teammemberrelations@gitlab.com.
For Managers
Team Member Relations provides guidance to managers in their efforts to improve team member performance or to correct unacceptable behaviors. Managers are responsible for setting priorities and motivating their team members. They are also responsible for ensuring the care of their team members as well as meeting GitLab’s goals. These two things can be done simultaneously. A critical responsibility within the role of a GitLab leader is to spend the time required to truly understand the causes of the performance issue and how to address them properly. Please review the underperformance page in the handbook for further information regarding managing team member performance.
As managers, it is considered one of your primary responsibilities to understand GitLab’s Code of Business Conduct and Ethics, Values and People Group policies and processes. People managers are responsible for upholding compliance on their teams and considering the best interest of the business. If a manager is made aware of a situation that potentially runs afoul of the Code of Conduct, Values or People Group processes or policy they should immediately reach out to the Team Member Relations team. If uncertain about a specific policy or procedure, the manager should reach out to a leader, their aligned PBP or Team Member Relations for further clarification. When in doubt, it is always best to ask.
Raising Communication Concerns
- We ask all GitLab team members to follow our Effective & Responsible Communication Guidelines.
- These guidelines highlight the expectation that everyone assumes positive intent, exercises kindness, and expresses their thoughts responsibly and inclusively.
- If there is an issue to raise regarding someone’s communication or conduct, team members should raise their concern with the manager of the individual involved or, if preferred, email Team Member Relations (
teammemberrelations@gitlab.com) directly. - Managers can email Team Member Relations (
teammemberrelations@gitlab.com) to express concerns with a team member’s communication if they believe intervention is needed.- If a team member is in violation of the effective & responsible communication guidelines, the Team Member Relations team will reach out to the manager and disciplinary action could be taken.
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