These days, part of “looking into” a company means doing a quick Google. And by quick Google, we mean taking a looksy at what current and former employees have dared to share on anonymous company review sites like Glassdoor. But there’s something else on the site that, depending on who you ask, can almost be like a guilty pleasure. And that’s reading through the negative Glassdoor reviews.
After all, who doesn’t want to know what employees’ experiences are truly like? Does the company have a toxic workplace culture? Or a reputation for hiring inexperienced, and generally no-good, bad bosses? At its best, the experience can help us keep our feet on the ground and cautious about signing new hire paperwork. At its worst… this “research” can dissuade us from what simply could be a really good opportunity simply because of some disgruntled, former employees.
Here’s the thing, though: There’s a silver lining amid all of the bad Glassdoor reviews. For those of us still working in management at said company, or for that matter, management at any company, negative Glassdoor reviews give us a chance to see what problems workplaces can avoid.
Do free snacks and a foosball table really make a difference if employees care more about good health insurance options? What management practices turn off employees the most? If X leads to a higher attrition rate, is it time to reconsider how Y teams are built?
Ahead, we’ve rounded up some negative Glassdoor reviews across a variety of industries, along with the key takeaway management and senior execs can learn from them. Read on for the silver lining of a bad company review.
The bad…
“For a company that had a reputation for being slow to change, restructuring or realignments happened every other week and the result was utter chaos.”
The lesson…
Be realistic about change
The bad…
“No work life balance or concern for clients”
The lesson…
Your employees are human!
The bad…
“They refuse to change the culture or work environment despite what 99% of the industry is doing… Please introduce yourself to 2018”
The lesson…
Don’t be afraid to adapt
The bad…
“[There’s] no room for growth and no career path [with] borderline unethical HR practices, and poor management/leadership. … HR is all smiles but not very knowledgeable or professional.”
The lesson…
Help your employees grow
The bad…
“Horrible and toxic culture… backstabbing, catty co-workers… overall, a very unhealthy work environment. If you have any morals or values, it will be very difficult for you to work here.”
The lesson…
Invest in positive, healthy team relations
The bad…
“The company is hierarchical. Management does not listen to or take their employees seriously.”
The lesson…
Embrace constructive criticism at all levels
The bad…
“Management impolite, demanding, and offers inadequate support to staff … [needs] to improve quality of communication with employees.”
The lesson…
Your employees want and need your support
The bad…
“You will have zero life outside of work. Get out while it’s your decision, and before you burn out, so you can take your knowledge and experience to a company with work/life balance.”
The lesson…
Don’t give up on work-life balance
The bad…
“[Management doesn’t] want to pay experienced people in their field to do certain roles, they ask existing staff—who have no idea what they’re doing —to take on roles instead. There’s a distinct lack of people who are “masters” in their field and there’s no one to learn from.”
The lesson…
Place value on employees’ expertise
