Can You Get Fired for Leaving Negative Reviews About Your Boss or Coworkers on Glassdoor or RateMyCoworkers?

The internet has opened up new avenues for employees to voice their opinions about their workplace. Websites like Glassdoor and RateMyCoworkers allow individuals to post reviews, expressing satisfaction or dissatisfaction with their jobs, bosses, and coworkers. However, is it possible to get fired for leaving a negative review on these platforms? The answer depends on several factors, including at-will employment policies, company conduct guidelines, defamation risks, and whistleblower protections.

At-Will Employment: The Norm in the US

In the United States, the employment relationship is typically classified as at-will employment, with the exception of the state of Montana. At-will employment means that an employer can terminate an employee at any time, for any reason or no reason at all, without incurring legal liability, as long as the termination is not for an illegal reason. This legal framework can have significant implications for employees who post negative reviews online.

Company Policies on Employee Conduct and Online Behavior

Many companies have specific policies that address employee conduct, including online behavior. These policies can include guidelines on how employees should represent the company both online and offline. If your review on a platform like Glassdoor or RateMyCoworkers violates these policies, it could result in disciplinary action or termination.

Defamation Risks and Legal Consequences

A negative review that contains false statements that could harm the reputation of individuals or the company may be considered defamation. Defamation refers to the act of making false statements that harm the reputation of another. If an employee's review is found to be defamatory, the individual could face legal action from the employer, which might prompt the employer to consider termination.

Whistleblower Protections and Confidentiality Agreements

In some cases, reviews that expose illegal or unethical behavior may be protected under whistleblower laws. However, these protections vary significantly by jurisdiction and the specific circumstances. Additionally, some companies require employees to sign confidentiality agreements before starting employment. These agreements can limit the types of reviews that employees can post.

Impact on Professional Reputation and Future Job Prospects

Beyond the risk of termination, leaving a negative review can have a profound impact on an individual's professional reputation and future job prospects. Potential employers often check these review sites as part of their due diligence before offering a position. A negative review could make it difficult to find new employment, especially in competitive fields.

When to Post a Negative Review

Given the potential consequences, it is advisable to carefully consider the risks before posting a negative review. Before doing so, employees should review their company's policies and consider the potential impacts on their professional reputation and future job prospects. If issues arise at work, addressing them internally through HR or management may be a more beneficial course of action.

Conclusion

While the internet provides a forum for employees to voice their opinions, posting a negative review about your boss or coworkers on a platform like Glassdoor or RateMyCoworkers can have serious repercussions. Factors such as at-will employment, company policies, defamation risks, and whistleblower protections can determine whether such a review will result in termination. Consider these factors carefully before deciding to post a negative review.