Neurodivergence and NeuroInclusion at GitLab

Neurodivergence and NeuroInclusion at GitLab

At GitLab, we’re committed to building a culture where everyone belongs and everyone can contribute. Neuroinclusion is a core part of our Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging commitment and is embedded in how we design our async-first, global, remote culture.

Around 15-20% of people are neurodivergent — that’s at least 1 in 5 team members. In technical fields, the percentage is often higher. This means that cognitive diversity isn’t a niche area: it’s a fundamental part of how our teams think, create, collaborate, and solve problems.

Neurodiversity is a natural part of human diversity. People process information, focus, communicate, and experience the world differently. We aim to build systems, environments, and ways of working that support these differences and enable diverse ways of thinking to contribute effectively.

For information about disability and accessibility more broadly at GitLab, visit our Disability, Neurodivergence & Accessibility (DNA) page.

Our Approach

GitLab’s approach to neuroinclusion is grounded in three principles:

Design for cognitive diversity

We work to build systems and processes that support different ways of thinking, communicating, and collaborating. When we design with varied cognitive styles in mind, we create better experiences for all team members.

Focus on removing barriers

We aim to identify and address friction in our tools, workflows, and expectations. This includes providing clarity in processes, flexibility in approaches, and access to accommodations in accordance with applicable laws and regulations in each location where we operate.

Support collaboration and results

Neuroinclusion directly supports our CREDIT values, especially Collaboration, Results, and Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging. Cognitive diversity fuels innovation, strengthens problem-solving, and helps teams build better products.

Research suggests that organizations focusing on neuroinclusion may see benefits including enhanced productivity, improved retention, and faster innovation. Beyond metrics, neurodivergent people bring perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving approaches that can strengthen teams.

Explore NeuroInclusion at GitLab

➡️ Understanding Neurodivergence

Foundational concepts, shared language, common neurodivergent profiles, and how different ways of thinking can contribute to teams.

Learn about terminology, ADHD, autism, dyslexia, dyspraxia, AuDHD, spiky profiles, intersectionality, and respectful language.

Visit Understanding Neurodivergence

➡️ NeuroInclusion in Practice – Learning Series

Our learning programme for team members, managers, and leaders. Includes courses, practical skills, and guidance for inclusive collaboration in async work environments.

Access courses on working inclusively, leading neuroinclusive teams, and embedding systemic inclusion.

Visit NeuroInclusion in Practice

➡️ Support, Accommodations & Resources

How to connect with community, access support resources, request workplace accommodations, and find tools for neuroinclusive work.

Information on accommodations, Modern Health, team member profiles, disclosure considerations, TMRGs, and external resources.

Visit Support, Accommodations & Resources

Why NeuroInclusion Matters at GitLab

Our async-first, documentation-driven, and remote work culture creates opportunities to support diverse ways of thinking and working:

• Async communication allows time for processing and thoughtful responses
• Written documentation supports different learning and communication styles
• Flexible work arrangements accommodate varied energy patterns and focus needs
• Transparent processes reduce ambiguity and support clarity
• Remote collaboration removes many traditional workplace barriers

When we design with cognitive diversity in mind, these practices benefit all team members — not only neurodivergent individuals. Neuroinclusion is part of how we work effectively as a global remote company.

Page Owner: Naomi Johnson, Senior Diversity Business Partner
Last Updated: December 2025

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