The Effect of 2023–24 Tech Layoffs on Companies Glassdoor and Indeed Profiles

For years, tech companies attracted top tech talent by offering perks, job security, and career growth, creating laid-back office culture and, post-COVID, work from home (WFH) options. These benefits created strong Glassdoor ratings and positive employee reviews, making it easier for tech companies to attract top candidates, especially when competing with other industries. However, the recent increase in tech layoffs, with nearly 1,200 companies cutting over 260,000 jobs in 2023 alone (according to Layoff Tracker), has disrupted this trend, impacting companies' reputations and employee morale, a shift not seen since the 2001 “dot-com bubble.”

Employees Turn to Glassdoor and Indeed Reviews After Tech Layoffs

Many laid-off employees turned to Glassdoor and Indeed to show frustrations, blaming management for poor communication, missteps, and injustices. Even those still employed have left negative reviews, showing concerns over the company direction, job security, increased workload, and loss of colleagues.

Reviews on Glassdoor and other review platforms stay permanently, and negative ones can greatly impact a company’s ratings. With 86% of job candidates researching company profiles before applying, negative reviews can pose long-term future recruitment challenges. Some disgruntled employees may post harmful reviews or multiple fake reviews to damage a company’s reputation. Therefore, it's crucial for companies to regularly monitor and respond to Glassdoor and Indeed reviews, flagging those that violate guidelines and/or fake.

Strategies for Companies to Rebuild Their Glassdoor Reputation

Flagging inappropriate Glassdoor reviews is just a small part of rebuilding a company’s reputation. Even if some reviews are removed, most will remain, affecting star ratings and overall perception.

To begin rebuilding online reputation, companies should:

• Respond to negative reviews, address negative reviews professionally and empathetically, trying to resolve issues offline.
• Encourage positive reviews, ask satisfied employees to leave positive reviews to balance ratings.
• Improve benefits, create a positive culture, and ensure job security to turn around the work environment.
• Regular Monitoring, continuously monitor reviews and engage with both positive and negative feedback.
• Hire a reputation management company
• Transparent communication, keep employees informed about company changes, especially during tough times, to build trust and minimize negative reviews from misunderstandings.

By implementing these strategies, companies can rebuild their Glassdoor and Indeed reputation and show commitment.