Can I Get into Legal Trouble for Writing a Review About My Previous Manager by Name on Glassdoor?

When it comes to leaving a review about a previous manager on a platform like Glassdoor, the primary concern is typically not legal issues, but rather professional repercussions. However, the question remains: Can I get into legal trouble for writing a review about my previous manager by name on a company review site like Glassdoor?

Absence of Legal Issues for Perceived Opinions

Most scenarios involving reviews on such platforms do not lead to legal trouble if the review reflects an individual's personal perspectives and opinions. Dissent and disagreement often arise naturally in professional environments. If your review is based on your perception of the manager and you emphasize that it is a subjective point of view, you are generally safe from legal issues.

Risk of Factual Accusations and Legal Trouble

However, the risk increases significantly if your review contains factual statements that can be disputed or challenged.

Verifiability: Any claims made in the review must be verifiable. If you state something as a fact that cannot be proven, you open yourself up to potential legal action. Accusations of Defamation: If your review includes facts that are intentionally untrue or misleading, you could be accused of defamation.

Defamation is a serious legal concern that involves making false and damaging statements about someone. If the statement can hurt someone's reputation or lead to actual harm, a lawsuit for defamation could follow.

Professional Consequences

While legal issues primarily concern the realm of civil law, there are equally serious professional and personal consequences to consider. Writing a review is not a court of law and cannot be used to overturn your termination or other actions taken by your employer.

If the Employer Knows or Suspects It's You

Immediate Employment Actions: Your employer might not need a legal reason to terminate your employment. The decision to fire you can be based on a simple determination that you no longer fit the corporate culture or that the company has a different vision for the future. Emotional Burden: Being fired can be a demoralizing experience, especially if you believe you have a fair argument or that your manager was entirely at fault. However, the fact remains that once you are fired, it's largely irrelevant if you feel justified - the damage is done.

Regardless of the reason, being fired is a closed chapter, and the reality is, your former employer does not need to provide a specific reason. It is a common business practice to not specify reasons, and legal protections often do not require explicit definitions.

Additionally, your former employer might keep your employment history vague to protect their own interests. This is a common practice and can make it challenging to present a coherent narrative or defend yourself in future job applications. Furthermore, the impact on your career could be severe as it is often assumed that you are operating at a “poor-good company,” which may reflect poorly on you.

Bottom Line

Before leaving a named review on Glassdoor, it is crucial to:

Ensure all statements are factual and verifiable. Avoid making accusations that could be contested or defamatory. Consider the long-term impact on your professional reputation and future employment prospects.

Remember, the decision to write a review should be approached with caution and a clear understanding of the potential consequences.