Updated Dependent Stipend: First Change in 8 Years

After eight years, we’ve updated our dependent stipend at Buffer, offering fresh insights into what has changed and why. Since 2016, our “Dependent Grant” has served as an essential component of our team benefits package, providing financial assistance to team members responsible for family care. This year, we have revised this longstanding program, now known as the Dependent Stipend, focusing solely on dependent children.

The Dependent Stipend is a non-salary benefit, granting Buffer team members $3,000 annually per child, for up to four dependents. While it once included extended family like siblings and parents, it now exclusively supports dependent children under 18, residing part-time with the Buffer teammate who actively cares for them. Importantly, this shift maintains our commitment to supporting colleagues with young families, especially during company retreats and travel weeks.

Overview of the Updated Dependent Stipend

Our recent changes ensure the stipend aligns with our goal of nurturing a supportive remote work environment. Many teammates use these funds for childcare solutions, such as daycare or nannies, enabling them to balance family and work obligations. As one team member aptly noted, “Supporting dependent children significantly impacts Buffer teammates’ work engagement.” Therefore, our efforts strike a balance between generosity and practicality, emphasizing employee well-being.

This year, the updated benefits represent 59 dependents among 31 colleagues, with a projected $117,000 annual budget. As we welcome new colleagues and Buffer families grow, these figures are expected to rise. Previously, in 2024, the broader support included 99 dependents: 59 children, 22 partners, and various extended relatives, which cost around $297,000 annually.

The comprehensive evaluation of our Dependent Stipend demonstrates our dedication to equity and clarity. Although financial considerations are involved, our main focus remains on transparent and fair benefits. Notably, this stipend isn’t part of our public salaries, warranting its redefinition…

Rationale Behind the Changes

During our Leadership Collaboration Week in late 2024, we prioritized re-evaluating benefits like the Dependent Stipend, leading to insightful discussions. While our dedication to supporting working parents remains strong, disparities in how the stipend was managed across team members surfaced concerns about fairness and transparency.

For instance, the stipend sometimes favored certain family structures over others, inconsistent with our values of equality and openness. The adjustments aim to strengthen alignment with Buffer’s core values and compensation philosophy, which emphasize simplicity and generosity.

In 2018, the average number of dependents per teammate was 1.04; it increased to 1.2 by 2020 and 1.35 by 2024. Such data reflect the evolving responsibilities of our team. At Buffer, long-term planning is integral, encompassing colleagues’ personal and professional growth. Consequently, the Dependent Stipend evolved to meet our team’s changing needs and priorities.

We invite your feedback on these updates. Share your thoughts in the comments or connect with us on social media! Together, let’s continue fostering a supportive and thriving work environment.

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