# How to respond to ex-employee reviews

> Reviews from former employees violate Google's conflict-of-interest policy — but only if you flag them right. Reply template + escalation.

_Updated 2026-07-21 · By Elizabeth Davis_

Source: https://happyreplies.com/how-to/respond-to-ex-employee-reviews

## 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.

## Overview

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.

## Steps

### 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.