Glassdoor reviews

[marshmallowmix]

Would bad reviews put you off going for a role?

I researched the business, it’s a small place and a not many reviews - there are 4 and 2 are bad…saying v high turnover due to upper management v difficult to work with, toxic environment and HR violations…one posted few months ago and one about 8 months ago…

I am in 2 minds now…

It definitely does put me off if a company has dodgy or mixed reviews. Although it's worth baring in mind that disgruntled ex-employees are much more likely to leave reviews than happy/neutral current/former employees. Tricky to get a good idea with so few reviews.

Hard to gauge as so few reviews …two of which as the cons list the points mentioned …one very recent …

My current workplace has bad reviews, everything they say is true but I still took the job and I'm quite content and happy enough in my job as I put distance between myself and the toxic stuff.

It's really hard to put aside isn't it? I think for any companies with fewer than 100 employees it's open to being very swayed by a couple of individuals with extreme views. I worked for a small company and there's no way I'd give a review as it would impact the score too much. Also if there are really different roles, think branches Vs HQ, one place of work may be very different to another working environment.

Yes it is hard to put it aside @MrsJamin .

Tricky as so few reviews as it’s a small place /small business…

The most recent one a coupe of months ago was positive with the pros but cons were that upper management very difficult to work with.

Then about 7 months ago this ago similar theme …major HR violations, staff unhappy and lucky not been taking to a tribunal….

The positive reviews are way back..

my gut is telling me no… I’m already a bit fragile so stepping in to a small place if this is true would not be a good move…

People are far more likely to leave bad reviews than to bother logging in and jumping through hoops to leave good ones.
Nowadays a lot of people complain about management. Ignore the views (unless there are a lot of negative ones) and try to get a feel for a place at interview.

You say that but actually you can't read other company reviews unless you review something, so that way, they may collect more neutral or positive experiences.

its something you could ask about in an interview and gauge their reaction

What is your current situation, @marshmallowmix ? Are you unemployed or soon to be? why are you considering this job offer? Do you work in a niche field or can you find a job easily? Those would affect my decision.
If I was unemployed or being made redundant or trying to get my foot into a new industry after a career change (or getting a first job as a graduate), then I would take the job but keep my eyes open for any signs of toxic management, and keep an eye on job offers. Remember it's easier to find a job when you have a job. If I was in a secure-ish job with ok management but looking for a better pay/promotion/ more exciting projects, then I would not take the job.

Agree with Liveafr you need to look at id you need "any job" as a stepping stone to another job.

Then its how good you are at reading people and interview the company as an employer.

Then its what is your work persona like, can you go in to the inteview and on day 1 and say no, that you will demand a level of respect within your role and not accept bad or abusive managment from anyone.

I would add can you work out how long the bad reviewer worked in the job?
The longer the time in the company the more likely it is to be a real review

I believe then as I post myself. Even if disgruntled staff are more likely to post it can give insight into culture but agree the higher volume the more accurate it is. I was laid off after toxic treatment but needed a job so have taken a role. A person has been treated similarly here as I was in my last job and they put a review on Glassdoor and I knew it was her. I am a little bit concerned on working here now but equally I need a job! So will stay until I see any concerning behaviour. I’ve not seen any yet and management are treating me well but the experience I have is what they have needed for a long time!