Humans are at the Center of Human Data <3

Behind every powerful large language model lies the crucial yet often overlooked foundation of human expertise. The insightful answers, precise corrections, and critical evaluations that make AI systems effective are not abstract datasets; they are crafted by real people, engineers, professors, linguists, lawyers, scientists, and other professionals worldwide. At micro1, we deeply understand that the reliability, accuracy, and ethical integrity of AI are inseparably tied to the professional fulfillment and personal well-being of these contributors.

This document articulates our commitment to supporting and safeguarding those who power the world’s most sophisticated AI models. At micro1, contributor well-being is a fundamental and defining element of our daily operations and long-term vision.

At micro1, we believe that humans teaching models is among the most important work happening today, especially because these models, in turn, educate countless other people. As consultant, economist, and NYU Professor Zack Michaelson, a micro1 expert, puts it,

This profound potential is exactly why we hold ourselves to the highest standards in how we support, value, and empower each of our contributors.

We emphasize clarity and transparency, believing that contributors should always understand precisely how their work influences AI development. Clear, unambiguous  communication is foundational, as it allows contributors to find genuine meaning in their work.

Fair and competitive compensation is integral to our values. We believe strongly in paying contributors rates that regularly exceed standard industry benchmarks, demonstrating genuine appreciation and recognition for their skills and professional contributions.

We also value flexibility and autonomy, holding that contributors should have the freedom to manage their schedules and workloads independently. Supporting each individual’s ability to achieve their goals on their own schedule is fundamental to our approach.

Continuous learning, professional development, and meaningful community engagement form key pillars of our core values. We maintain that contributors should have unrestricted opportunities to enhance their skills, collaborate meaningfully with peers, and contribute actively to the continuous improvement of our team as a whole.

Finally, we deeply value open and direct communication, recognizing that contributor feedback, concerns, and suggestions play a critical role in our collective growth. Maintaining active channels of communication fosters a culture of mutual respect and continuous improvement across our operations.

Our principles directly inform every aspect of our operations, from recruitment to compensation, project management, and ongoing contributor support.

During recruitment and onboarding, our AI Recruiter, Zara, facilitates structured, accessible interviews that applicants can complete conveniently at any time. Human reviewers further ensure clarity and thoroughly validate candidate qualifications.

We consistently offer competitive compensation rates that surpass typical industry benchmarks, recognizing the professional value and expertise each contributor brings. Our reliable bi-weekly payment schedule and adherence to global compliance frameworks through trusted partners like Deel provide contributors with financial predictability, stability, and peace of mind.

Flexible working arrangements empower contributors to independently manage their hours and weekly workloads, helping them comfortably balance professional responsibilities with their personal lives. Additionally, we consistently create opportunities for bonuses, raises, and promotions, uncommon practices in this field, to recognize exceptional performance and encourage ongoing growth.

Beyond compensation, we deeply invest in professional growth, community engagement, and individual support. Contributors receive free access to specialized educational resources and courses, including our popular AI Engineering course, currently utilized by over 20,000 learners, and our course on Reinforcement Learning with Human Feedback (RLHF). These educational offerings, combined with active professional communities, foster continuous skill development, meaningful collaboration, and ongoing fulfillment.

Our Human Data Managers (HDMs) provide 24/7 support, including off hours, weekend access, ensuring contributors always feel supported with near-instant replies whenever they seek guidance or assistance. Contributors and HDMs also meet regularly in one-on-one settings to build strong and personal relationships, an approach that has proven effective in boosting retention and overall satisfaction. HDMs are thoughtfully assigned to projects aligning with their interests and natural strengths, fostering enthusiasm and creating environments where experts feel energized by their managers' genuine passion.

We regularly, and very transparently, share insightful metrics that allow contributors to track both personal progress and collective achievements, fostering a sense of shared success. Continuous, constructive feedback from HDMs help contributors understand their performance clearly, supporting ongoing improvement in a positive, growth-oriented atmosphere. Finally, as a gesture of warmth and appreciation, we welcome every new contributor and HDM to the team with something sweet, sending them a cake to mark the beginning of our valued collaboration.

These intentional, thoughtful practices demonstrate our genuine commitment to ensuring that our contributors thrive professionally, truly enjoy their work, and find lasting fulfillment at micro1. As Harvard professor and micro1 expert Mark Esposito said,

The rigorous standards we set for contributor well-being, sustainability, and satisfaction do more than simply fulfill ethical responsibilities, they directly enhance the quality, consistency, and longevity of the human data powering AI.

By providing clear guidelines, fair compensation, and continuous professional support, we significantly reduce turnover and errors, resulting in higher-quality and more reliable outputs. Flexible working arrangements and proactive wellness programs foster a stable, engaged workforce capable of long-term contributions.

Our standards reflect a deep ethical commitment to ensuring fairness, transparency, and respect for the individuals behind AI advancements. By actively maintaining these principles, we uphold not just the quality of our work but the ethical foundation on which all trustworthy AI must stand.

At micro1, our commitment to putting humans at the center of human data defines who we are.

Ultimately, the quality and integrity of AI depends entirely on the people who teach and guide it. Our mission is to continually strengthen and support these talented individuals, enabling them to combine their expertise and passion in meaningful ways. Dr. Esposito captures this vision perfectly: