Guide · Updated Jul 2026
How to respond to ex-employee reviews
Google's review policy explicitly bars current and former employees from reviewing their own employer. The bar for removal is 'reasonable evidence' — usually a name match or a specific role reference.
TL;DR
Ex-employee reviews violate Google's conflict-of-interest policy and are usually removable. Reply publicly with a short professional acknowledgement, flag as 'conflict of interest', and escalate if not removed in 5 business days.
Step by step
- 1
Reply professionally, don't confirm employment
'We take feedback from every source seriously. Please email HR at [address] to discuss further.'
- 2
Flag as conflict of interest
Google's Reviews policy explicitly lists former-employee reviews as prohibited.
- 3
Prepare evidence
A dated employment record and any public indicator (LinkedIn, social) linking the reviewer to your business.
- 4
Escalate through Support
If not removed in 5 business days, use the Business Profile Support form with the evidence attached.
FAQ
- Can I mention the reviewer used to work for me?
- Never publicly — potential defamation and privacy exposure. Handle it via the flag/escalate route.
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