How to Remove Negative & Fake Glassdoor Reviews: Your Options Explained

Negative Glassdoor reviews can have a significant impact on your company’s reputation and ability to attract top talent. In fact, a recent survey found that 86% of job seekers research company reviews and ratings before deciding to apply for a position. As a result, it’s crucial to address negative reviews promptly and effectively.

At Minc Law, we understand the frustration and concern that comes with discovering false or defamatory reviews on your company’s Glassdoor profile. Since our firm’s inception in 2018, we have successfully removed thousands of negative and false reviews for our clients, ranging from small businesses to Fortune 500 companies.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps you can take to remove negative Glassdoor reviews and protect your company’s online reputation. We’ll also address common questions and concerns related to Glassdoor review removal.

The Impact of Negative Glassdoor Reviews on Your Business

Negative Glassdoor reviews can have far-reaching consequences for your company, beyond just making it harder to attract qualified job candidates. Here are some of the ways that negative reviews can impact your business:

1. Damaged Reputation: Negative reviews can paint your company in a bad light, making it appear as though you don’t value your employees or provide a positive work environment. This can damage your reputation not only among potential job seekers but also among customers, partners, and investors.
2. Decreased Employee Morale: When current employees see negative reviews about their workplace, it can lead to decreased morale, productivity, and engagement. Employees may start to question their decision to work for your company and may be more likely to look for employment elsewhere.
3. Lost Revenue: In today’s competitive job market, companies that fail to attract top talent due to negative online reviews may experience lost revenue and slower growth.

Glassdoor Review Removal FAQs

Can negative Glassdoor reviews be deleted?

Yes, in certain circumstances, negative Glassdoor reviews can be removed. However, it’s important to note that Glassdoor has strict guidelines in place to protect the integrity of its platform and ensure that reviews are authentic and unbiased.

For a review to be considered for removal, it must violate Glassdoor’s community guidelines or terms of service. This includes reviews that:

• Contain false or misleading information
• Include confidential or proprietary company information
• Use profanity, threats, or discriminatory language
• Come from individuals who never worked for the company

If you believe a review violates these guidelines, you can flag it for removal (more on this process below). However, Glassdoor will not remove reviews simply because they are negative or because you disagree with the reviewer’s opinion.

Can businesses pay Glassdoor to remove negative reviews?

No, businesses cannot pay Glassdoor to remove negative reviews. Glassdoor is committed to maintaining the integrity and impartiality of its platform, and accepting payment for review removal would undermine that commitment.

In fact, Glassdoor clearly states on its website that it does not allow companies to pay for the removal of reviews, regardless of whether they are participating in the site’s advertising programs or not.

Can a company delete its Glassdoor profile?

Unfortunately, once your company has a profile on Glassdoor, you cannot delete it entirely. Even if you claim your free employer account and then cancel it, your company’s profile and any associated reviews will remain on the site.

This policy is in line with Glassdoor’s mission to provide transparency and help job seekers make informed decisions about where to work. Under current U.S. laws, Glassdoor is allowed to create and maintain employer profiles without consent, as long as the information is sourced from publicly available data.

Can you dispute and flag negative Glassdoor reviews?

Yes, if you believe a review violates Glassdoor’s guidelines, you can dispute it by flagging the review for removal. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to flag a review:

1. Log in to your company’s Glassdoor employer account (if you don’t have one, you’ll need to create a free account)
2. Navigate to the review you wish to flag
3. Click the flag icon located below the review
4. Select the reason for flagging the review (e.g., “Contains false or misleading information”)
5. Provide a detailed explanation of why you believe the review violates Glassdoor’s guidelines
6. Click “Submit”

Once you’ve flagged a review, Glassdoor’s Content Moderation Team will assess your request and determine whether the review should be removed. It’s crucial to provide as much detail and evidence as possible to support your case.

If you’re unsure about how to proceed or would like professional assistance with the removal process, our experienced Glassdoor review removal consultants at Minc Law can help. We’ll work with you to develop a tailored strategy and handle the entire removal process on your behalf, giving you the best chance of success.

What kind of reviews can be removed from Glassdoor?

As mentioned earlier, Glassdoor will only remove reviews that violate its community guidelines or terms of service. Some common reasons for removal include:

• Reviews that reveal confidential or non-public company information
• Reviews that include links, advertisements, or excessive quoted material from other sources
• Reviews that use excessive capitalization or formatting
• Reviews that violate the “one review per employee per year” policy
• Reviews that identify non-public figures within the company by name
• Reviews that contain profanity, threats of violence, or discriminatory language

It’s important to note that Glassdoor will not arbitrate factual disputes or remove reviews simply because the company disagrees with the content.

Can I ask a reviewer to remove or edit their negative review?

Potentially, yes. If a current or former employee has left a negative review that you feel is inaccurate or unfair, you may reach out to them directly and request that they remove or edit their review.

However, there are a few important caveats to keep in mind:

1. Anonymity: Most Glassdoor reviews are left anonymously, which can make it difficult or impossible to identify and contact the reviewer directly.
2. Timing: Glassdoor only allows reviews to be edited or removed by the original author within 30 days of posting. After that, the review can only be removed if it violates Glassdoor’s guidelines.
3. Approach: If you do choose to reach out to a reviewer, it’s crucial to remain professional and courteous. Acknowledge their concerns, provide context if necessary, and politely request that they consider updating or removing their review. Keep in mind that a confrontational or aggressive approach may backfire and lead to additional negative reviews.

Given these challenges, we typically recommend that companies focus on other strategies for addressing negative reviews.

Can You Sue for a Fake Glassdoor Review?

If you believe that a Glassdoor review is fake, defamatory, or contains false statements that have caused harm to your business, you may be able to take legal action against the individual who posted the review. While Glassdoor itself is protected under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which shields online platforms from liability for user-generated content, you can still pursue legal action against the reviewer.

At our firm, we have deep experience in helping companies deal with fake and defamatory Glassdoor reviews. Our experienced defamation attorneys can assist you in several ways:

Sending a Cease and Desist Letter

In many cases, a strongly worded cease and desist letter from an attorney can be enough to compel the reviewer to remove the fake or defamatory content. Our attorneys can craft a letter that clearly outlines the legal consequences of leaving the review up and demands its immediate removal.

Filing a John Doe Lawsuit

If the reviewer is anonymous or using a pseudonym, you can file a John Doe lawsuit to uncover their identity. Through this process, we can obtain a court order that forces Glassdoor to reveal the reviewer’s identity, allowing you to proceed with legal action against them.

Pursuing a Defamation Lawsuit

If the reviewer refuses to remove the fake or defamatory content, we can help you file a defamation lawsuit against them. To succeed in a defamation claim, we’ll need to prove that the statements made in the review are false and have caused harm to your business. Our attorneys have extensive experience in handling these types of cases and can guide you through the legal process.

It’s important to note that taking legal action should be a last resort, as it can be time-consuming and expensive. However, if you’re dealing with a particularly egregious fake review that is causing significant damage to your company’s reputation, it may be necessary to involve an attorney.

If you’re considering legal action to address a fake or defamatory Glassdoor review, we encourage you to contact our firm for a consultation. Our experienced defamation attorneys can review your case and advise you on the best course of action to protect your company’s reputation.

Proactive Strategies for Managing Your Glassdoor Presence

While removing negative reviews is an important aspect of managing your company’s Glassdoor presence, it’s equally crucial to take proactive steps to cultivate a positive reputation on the platform. Here are a few strategies to consider:

1. Encourage Positive Reviews: Actively encourage your current employees to leave honest, authentic reviews on Glassdoor. You can do this by regularly reminding employees of the importance of their feedback, sharing positive reviews in company communications, and creating a culture that values transparency and open dialogue.
2. Respond to All Reviews: Make a point to respond to all reviews on your Glassdoor profile, both positive and negative. This shows that you value employee feedback and are committed to addressing concerns and making positive changes within your organization.
3. Showcase Your Employer Brand: Use your Glassdoor profile to showcase your company culture, values, and employee benefits. Share photos, videos, and employee testimonials that highlight what makes your company a great place to work.
4. Monitor Your Profile Regularly: Assign a dedicated team member or work with a firm like Minc Law to regularly monitor your Glassdoor profile for any new reviews or changes. This will allow you to quickly identify and address any negative or false content before it has a chance to impact your reputation.
5. Address Issues Internally: If you notice patterns or recurring themes in negative reviews, take steps to address those issues within your organization. Conduct employee surveys, hold focus groups, and work with your HR team to identify areas for improvement and implement positive changes.

By taking a proactive, holistic approach to managing your Glassdoor presence, you can build a strong, positive reputation that will help you attract top talent and drive long-term success for your business.

The Bottom Line

Negative or false Glassdoor reviews can have a significant impact on your company’s ability to attract top talent and maintain a positive online reputation. By understanding the Glassdoor review removal process, flagging content that violates guidelines, and working with experienced professionals like the team at Minc Law, you can take control of your company’s Glassdoor presence and protect your reputation.

If you’re dealing with negative or false Glassdoor reviews and need assistance, we encourage you to contact Minc Law today at (216) 373-7706 or complete our online contact form for a confidential consultation. Our experienced defamation attorneys and reputation management consultants are here to help you navigate this challenging situation and achieve the best possible outcome for your business.