As job seekers, we all want to know as much as possible about the companies we’re considering working for. That’s where Glassdoor comes in. Glassdoor is a website that allows current and former employees to anonymously review companies they’ve worked for, including information on salaries, benefits, and company culture.
In the beauty sector, where there are a lot of companies competing for top talent, Glassdoor reviews can be especially valuable. In this post, we’ll explore how prevalent negative Glassdoor reviews are in the beauty sector and what it means for job seekers.
Is the Beauty Industry Giving Us All the Ugly on Glassdoor?
Glassdoor reviews are an important tool for job seekers in any industry, but in the beauty sector, they are especially important. According to a study by the job search website Indeed, the beauty industry is one of the most highly reviewed industries on Glassdoor, with an average of 26 reviews per company. However, the same study found that the beauty industry has the highest percentage of negative reviews of any industry, with 18.4% of reviews being negative.
There are a few key factors that contribute to the high percentage of negative reviews in the beauty sector. One is the competitive nature of the industry. Many companies in the beauty sector rely on commissions, which can create a cutthroat atmosphere among employees. Additionally, many positions in the beauty sector are hourly, which means that employees may not have the job security they desire.
The Only Thing Standing Between You and Your Dream Job
Negative Glassdoor reviews can have a significant impact on job seekers in the beauty sector. In a highly competitive industry, a company with a lot of negative reviews may struggle to attract top talent. Job seekers may also be deterred by negative reviews, even if they’re not entirely accurate. However, it’s important to keep in mind that Glassdoor reviews are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to evaluating a company. It’s important to do your research and to take the reviews with a grain of salt.
There are a few examples of how negative Glassdoor reviews have impacted the beauty industry. For example, in 2018, the cosmetics company Deciem faced a backlash after its CEO posted a series of controversial Instagram posts. Many former employees left negative Glassdoor reviews, citing a toxic work environment. The negative reviews garnered a lot of media attention and likely impacted Deciem’s ability to attract top talent.
When It’s Time to Face the (Glass)Door
For companies in the beauty sector, addressing negative Glassdoor reviews can be a challenge. However, there are a few strategies that companies can use to mitigate negative reviews. One is to actively encourage employees to leave positive reviews. This can be done through incentives, such as a bonus for leaving a review. Another strategy is to address negative reviews head-on, either by responding publicly or by reaching out to the reviewer privately to try to resolve the issue.
One example of a company that successfully addressed negative Glassdoor reviews is the beauty retailer Sephora. In 2019, Sephora faced criticism from employees who said that they were subjected to racial bias and discrimination. Sephora responded by implementing a series of initiatives to address the issue, including unconscious bias training for all employees. The company also responded publicly to the negative reviews, apologizing and promising to do better.
The Power of Employee Feedback
Employee feedback can be an incredibly valuable tool for companies in the beauty industry. By listening to their employees, companies can gain insights into what’s working and what’s not and can make changes to improve their operations. Some companies in the beauty industry have even gone so far as to implement anonymous employee feedback systems, where employees can submit feedback regularly.
Despite the potential benefits of employee feedback in the beauty industry, there are also challenges to implementing such feedback programs. One common issue is the fear of retaliation from management or coworkers. Employees may worry that if they provide negative feedback, they will face consequences such as being overlooked for promotions or even losing their jobs. To address this concern, companies can create anonymous feedback systems that allow employees to provide honest feedback without fear of reprisal.
Reading Between the Lines
Glassdoor reviews can provide valuable insights into broader industry trends in the beauty sector. By analyzing reviews from a range of companies, job seekers can gain a sense of the challenges and opportunities facing the industry as a whole. For example, if reviews consistently mention a lack of opportunities for growth or development, job seekers may conclude that the industry as a whole is struggling to provide opportunities for advancement.
These can also provide insight into shifts in the beauty industry. For example, if reviews for a particular company consistently mention a new service offering like an infrared sauna or a new product like LED face masks, job seekers may infer that the company is investing in this area and that it may be a growing trend in the industry as a whole. Similarly, if reviews mention changes in company culture or management, job seekers may conclude that these are broader industry trends. Job seekers can use Glassdoor reviews to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the beauty industry and the companies that operate within it.
Flipping Bad to Better
Addressing negative Glassdoor reviews can be a challenge, but there are several strategies that companies can use to mitigate their impact. One approach is to respond directly to the review, either publicly or privately. This can show that the company is taking the concerns raised in the review seriously and can provide an opportunity to address any factual inaccuracies or misunderstandings.
Another approach is to actively solicit feedback from employees and use that feedback to improve working conditions and address any concerns or complaints. This can help create a more positive work environment and reduce the likelihood of negative reviews in the future. Companies can also work to improve their employer brand by highlighting positive aspects of their culture, such as employee development programs, community involvement, or flexible work arrangements.
However, in scenarios where reviews are just plain defamatory, companies can simply ask Glassdoor if they think this is the case. It’s not a surefire solution but it’s worth a try. And in times when even contacting Glassdoor fails, there are review removal services that specialise in these false defamatory glassdoor reviews.
Conclusion
The beauty industry can be a tough field to navigate, especially with the impact of negative reviews. But it doesn’t have to be a hostile environment. In fact, the industry thrives on collaboration, creativity, and inclusivity. If you’ve been discouraged by negative feedback, remember that every artist has faced criticism at some point in their career. It’s important to take constructive criticism and use it as an opportunity for growth, but don’t let it discourage you from pursuing your passion. The beauty industry welcomes everyone with open arms, regardless of your background or skill level. So, if you have a passion for beauty and cosmetics, don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams and contribute your unique talents to this vibrant industry.
