Ex-employee review
How to reply to an ex-employee Google review
Ex-employee reviews should be flagged to Google under 'conflict of interest' and replied to briefly.
Why it matters
Employment law and defamation exposure both spike when businesses reply substantively to ex-employee reviews.
Do this
- Flag through Google Business Profile as conflict of interest.
- Reply in one paragraph, redirecting.
- Keep it identical across every ex-employee review.
Avoid this
- Confirming or denying that the person worked for you.
- Discussing performance or termination reasons.
3 templates
1. Generic ex-employee
Review
"Awful place to work."
Reply
"Hi — Google reviews are for our customer experience, so we won't discuss employment matters here. Anyone with concerns about working with us is welcome to email hello@ourplace.com directly."
2. Specific gripes
Review
"Manager bullied me for a year."
Reply
"Hi — Google reviews are for customer experience and we can't discuss employment matters here. Anyone with concerns is welcome to email hr@ourplace.com — we take every complaint seriously."
3. Naming another employee
Review
"The chef there is a nightmare to work for."
Reply
"Hi — we don't discuss employment matters on customer channels. Please email hr@ourplace.com if you'd like to raise a concern properly."
FAQ
- Should I get the review removed?
- Flag it in Google Business Profile under conflict of interest. Reply in the meantime — the reply outlasts the flag decision either way.
- Should I confirm the person worked here?
- No. That confirmation itself carries legal risk in most jurisdictions.