When Glassdoor hates your company

When Glassdoor Hates your Company

I recently found myself on Glassdoor, looking up a company I was considering joining.The reviews weren’t kind.

Harsh, in fact. Some called it toxic. Others said “run.”

But during my first interaction with the team, they didn’t dodge it.

They leaned in.“Glassdoor may hate us,” they said,“but here’s why our employees love it here.”

Not defensive. Not dismissive.

Just direct.

That moment stuck with me.Because it raised a bigger question:What if love at work doesn’t look like comfort?

What if it looks like growth, pressure, high standards, and unreasonable ownership?Some people love clarity. Others want consensus.Some love being pushed. Others call that pressure.

Same culture. Different lenses.The loudest voices on Glassdoor are often those who left.

But the people still doing the work—the ones who stayed, who grew, who got better—rarely write reviews. They’re too busy becoming.

Love at work doesn’t always look like free snacks and flexible Fridays.Sometimes it looks like being told the truth.

Being held to a standard.Being trusted with hard things.That kind of culture isn’t for everyone.But for the right people, it’s everything.

And let’s be clear—this in no way gives you a license to be cruel, dismissive, or reckless with people’s wellbeing.High standards are not an excuse for harmful behavior.Culture isn’t built on fear. It’s built on trust, clarity, and the courage to care loudly