How To Delete Reviews From Glassdoor
Discover the fastest way to delete reviews from Glassdoor and effectively manage unwanted feedback. Unlock efficient methods for removing unwanted reviews.
Glassdoor, at its core, is more than just a job search platform. It's a digital space that bridges the gap between employers and employees, offering a transparent window into the inner workings of companies across the globe. The name "Glassdoor" itself is symbolic, representing a clear view into workplace culture, values, and experiences.
Platforms like this one have become crucial spaces where employees openly (anonymously) share their experiences while prospective candidates get a sense of the work culture of potential employers. It's also a place where employers can address the reviews they've received and share their side of the story.
Positive reviews can really boost a company's image, portraying it as an ideal workplace. On the flip side, negative reviews can really tarnish its reputation, making it tough to attract top talent.
So these reviews, whether raving about Friday pizza parties or criticizing management styles, play a crucial role in shaping a company's workplace culture. It's not just about the perks, it's about the shared beliefs, attitudes, and overall environment that a company creates.
The Dilemma of Negative Reviews
Every company, especially larger ones, will face its share of criticism. It's inevitable! Some employees might cherish the flexibility of working from home, while others might miss the camaraderie of an office setting. Such diverse opinions can lead to a mix of reviews. However, when faced with particularly damaging feedback, it's natural for companies to wish for a delete button.
But is it that simple? Can companies just erase the negative and spotlight the positive? In this guide, I will share with you the intricacies of Glassdoor reviews, exploring the criteria for removal and offering strategies to manage and respond to feedback, both good and bad.
I'm also going to share some tips (that I've never shared before) on how to handle these reviews on a large scale effectively. You can find these tips at the end of this article.
Can employers delete Glassdoor reviews?
Contrary to what some might believe, companies cannot simply delete reviews they don't favor. Only reviews that violate Glassdoor's guidelines—such as those containing false information, naming non-C-Suite individuals, or using offensive language—are eligible for removal.
The Glassdoor team isn't particularly keen on removing reviews. However, there are ways you can potentially get those negative reviews off the site. There are companies out there that specialize in reputation resolutions, and they know how to combat those bad reviews on Glassdoor. Just keep in mind that it'll cost you a couple of hundred dollars or even a few thousand dollars per review if you go down that route.
Plus, I've heard quite a bit about the methods these companies use over the years and how effective they can be. Some of those methods might be a little, well, let's just say they're in a bit of a gray area.
So, if you're looking to save some money and still want to delete those false defamatory Glassdoor reviews, it might be worth trying to tackle it yourself before shelling out for those companies.
But before we dive in, let's go over some info about community guidelines and other criteria you should know.
Criteria for Removing Reviews
Glassdoor, as a platform, values transparency and honesty (their words, not mine). While it encourages employees to share their genuine experiences, it also recognizes the need to maintain a certain standard of content to ensure fairness and accuracy.
Not all reviews can be removed from Glassdoor, but there are specific criteria (Community Guidelines) that, if met, can lead to the removal of a review.
Here's a breakdown of the criteria:
False or Inaccurate Information: Reviews should be based on factual experiences. If a review contains information that is demonstrably false or misleading, it may be flagged for removal.
Multiple Reviews by the Same Individual: Glassdoor aims to capture a diverse range of experiences from different employees. But each individual is allowed one review, per employer, per year, and per review type. Trying to post multiple company reviews looks suspicious and can be grounds for removal.
Naming Non-C-Suite Individuals: While Glassdoor recognizes that company culture and reputation are often influenced by those at the top, it allows reviews to name only public faces of the business, such as the CEO. Naming individuals who aren't in C-Suite positions or above can lead to the removal of the review. This is to protect the privacy of employees and avoid potential defamation.
Quoted Material: Reviews that contain quoted material, such as direct excerpts from emails or websites, can be removed. This is to ensure the privacy and confidentiality of communications.
Confidential and Non-Public Information: Reviews should not disclose information that is confidential or not publicly available. This includes internal company strategies, undisclosed financial data, or any other sensitive information.
Advertisements and External Links: Reviews are meant to provide insights into company culture and employee experiences. Reviews that display advertisements, promote external content, or contain external links can be flagged for removal.
Offensive Content: Glassdoor aims to maintain a respectful community. Reviews that include threats, use offensive language or contain profanities are not tolerated and can be removed.
Now you know what things to focus on if you want to remove any reviews from this website. Let me show you how to do it!
Steps to Delete Reviews from Glassdoor
If a review breaks these community guidelines, there are steps that you, as an employer, can take to delete reviews from Glassdoor.
Here's a step-by-step guide to help businesses navigate this process:
1. Identify the Inappropriate Review
Before taking any action, carefully read the review in question to determine if it truly goes against Glassdoor's community guidelines. Familiarize yourself with the criteria for removal, such as false information, naming non-C-Suite individuals, or including offensive language.
2. Flag the Review on Glassdoor
Navigate to your company's profile on Glassdoor.
Locate the review that you believe violates the community guidelines.
Click on the flag icon located at the bottom right of the review. (Please ensure that you are logged in as an employee of the company and that you have access to the account dashboard!)
A dropdown menu will appear, prompting you to select a reason for reporting the review. Choose the option that best describes the violation.
I suggest using the options "This review violates Glassdoor's guidelines" or "None of the choices above apply."
Submit the report. Glassdoor will then review the flagged content to determine if it should be removed. This is the fastest way to remove those false and defamatory Glassdoor reviews.
Note: Glassdoor review has a limit of 1000 characters for your message!
3. Wait for Glassdoor's Response
After flagging the review, Glassdoor's team will evaluate it against their guidelines. This process may take some time (24-72 hours), so patience is essential.
If the Glassdoor team agrees that the review violates their guidelines, they will remove it from the platform. If they disagree, the review will remain. But you can still take some actions to delete reviews from Glassdoor, like report the review(s) again.
Note: Success Rate and Further Steps
The success rate for removing negative reviews varies. Clear violations of the Community Guidelines are typically removed promptly. However, if the violation isn't evident, the onus is on the company to present a compelling case.
If a request to remove a review is denied, companies can consider other options, including legal action, especially if the review causes significant harm.
4. Consider Legal Action (if necessary)
If you believe a review contains misleading or defamatory information and Glassdoor does not remove it after flagging it, you might consider seeking legal advice, continuing to report it, or trying one of the tips mentioned below.
Remember that taking legal action can be costly and might draw more attention to the negative review. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons before proceeding!
There are numerous cases where a company files a defamation lawsuit against Glassdoor, and Glassdoor was ordered to reveal the identities of some anonymous users.
5. Engage with the Reviewer (if possible)
If the review doesn't violate Glassdoor's guidelines but still concerns you, consider responding to it directly on the platform.
Address the reviewer's concerns professionally and politely, showing that you value feedback and are committed to improving.
6. Monitor Your Company's Reviews Regularly
Stay proactive by regularly checking your company's Glassdoor profile for new reviews.
Addressing concerns promptly and flagging inappropriate content as soon as it appears can help maintain a positive online reputation.
Now that you know how to remove negative reviews, keep in mind that sometimes it might not be worth the effort. Just think about how much impact the review actually has and what resources you need to invest in responding.
Common Glassdoor Questions & Answers
Question: How do you unlock Glassdoor reviews?
Answer: To unlock these reviews, you just need to have an account on Glassdoor. You can use your own email address or any temporary address you can create.
Question: How do you remove fake reviews from Glassdoor?
Answer: Fake reviews are a significant issue with this platform. But it's really difficult to determine if a review is genuinely fake without any access to information about the person who submitted it.
Question: Can Glassdoor reviews be traced?
Answer: These reviews are anonymous, so there's no way they can be traced. And guess what? People can even use fake email and VPN that can hide their real IP address.
Question: Can you remove a helpful vote on Glassdoor?
Answer: Every positive or negative review can receive votes from people who find it helpful. The only way to remove the helpful votes is by deleting the entire review.
Question: Why did Glassdoor remove my review?
Answer: The Glassdoor team won't approve every single review, for example, if it's full of profanities. They might also remove your review if it's violating their guidelines.
Question: Do companies get notified of Glassdoor reviews?
Answer: Absolutely! Companies get notified when someone posts a review on Glassdoor, just like you can be notified when a new review is added. All you have to do is subscribe to company news. Keep in mind that companies don't receive any identifying information about the reviewer. So, it's all anonymous! Only the Glassdoor team has access to the email and IP address used when submitting this review.
Question: How to Spot Fake Glassdoor Reviews?
Answer: One way to identify fake reviews is by checking for review spikes. If you suddenly receive 20 reviews within a one-week period without any activity on your end, it could indicate that they are fake. Additionally, reviewers who submit reviews in bulk tend to use similar words, phrases, and language.
It is worth noting that the authenticity and credibility of online reviews, including those on Glassdoor, can sometimes be questioned. While platforms like Glassdoor have safeguards (their words) in place to prevent anonymous reviews, it is essential to exercise discernment and critical thinking when evaluating feedback.
In all my years of learning about these so-called "safeguards," I can honestly say there probably aren't any that really work. Anyone with a few bucks and some time on their hands can just go ahead and slap on some positive or negative reviews for any company, no connection required.
Managing Negative Reviews on Glassdoor
Managing a company's online reputation requires a combination of proactive strategies and a genuine commitment to employee satisfaction. While negative reviews on Glassdoor can impact a company's brand image, it's important to view them as an opportunity for growth and improvement.
By fostering a culture of transparency, engaging with reviewers, and addressing concerns head-on, companies can transform negative reviews into meaningful dialogues that contribute to their overall success.
Companies that focus on reputation resolutions and understand how to combat bad reviews are well-equipped to navigate this landscape and protect their brand's integrity.
Ultimately, the key to maintaining a strong online reputation lies in building a positive work environment rather than finding a way to delete reviews from Glassdoor. By prioritizing employee satisfaction, valuing their feedback, and taking action to address concerns, companies can generate a wealth of positive experiences that naturally counterbalance any negative reviews.
My Tips How To Delete Reviews From Glassdoor
In the past decade, I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge about the Glassdoor system, and let me share with you a few tips that will help you delete reviews from their site. While there are no guarantees, the results I’ve witnessed from those who’ve implemented this process speak for themselves!
What lies behind a paywall:
Strategies for handling Glassdoor reviews removal
ChatGPT prompt + advanced techniques
Essential expert tips on how to delete reviews from Glassdoor.