Gen Z Break the Silence – Is the increase in online workplace complaints helping or hindering future employment?

With online workplace review platforms now commonplace, research from INTOO UK & Ireland has found that almost one in five employees, specifically one in four Gen Z employees, would complain online if they were let go. As a leading provider of career transition and employee development services, INTOO is urging people to think before they type.

The research found that not only do 20 percent of people say they would complain online if they were let go, but it found 49 percent of companies have actually experienced this retaliation, including on LinkedIn, TikTok, Facebook, Glassdoor, Reddit, and other platforms.

Owen Morgan, Managing Director of INTOO UK & Ireland, highlights the importance of employees thinking before they create a lasting, digital legacy: “Redundancies are a highly emotional and challenging process for businesses and its employees. It is often underestimated the profound impact they can have on not only those leaving the business, but also those who remain. Naturally, during emotionally charged moments, individuals can make rash decisions, which is why we urge people to think before they take to the internet. This trend seems most apparent within Gen Z employees, who are only just making their way in the working world but also the most digitally literate and spend much of their time on platforms like TikTok.

“Reviews and feedback are important tools – providing key insights for existing and future employees. However, a negative or deeply personal review can leave a lasting impression. Negative reviews can be a great opportunity for growth and change for workplaces, so employees must ask themselves if the review they are sharing is really going to have the desired impact.

“Once you have left a business, the employer’s key focus is supporting and maintaining its active employees. While ex-employees may feel the need to air their trials and tribulations, it’s important to note that the online presence isn’t only a representation of the employer, but it’s also a lasting impression of the employee.

“For employees it is important they prioritise finding their next role, which means future employers will be doing thorough background checks, including a digital search. Employees need to ask themselves ‘would I really want my next employer seeing this side of me, is this the first impression I want to make?’ Not only is a review or video an insight into how an employee conducts themselves within a professional setting, but it also shows their personality and working style.”

According to INTOO data, 80 percent of employees say companies underestimate the impact redundancies have on their remaining workforce, while 71 percent say they would begin job hunting immediately after a redundancy, even if they were spared.

The data shows the importance of getting the redundancy process right, whether that’s for those leaving the business or those who remain employed. It is the duty of workplaces to support each individual to navigate this change.

INTOO UK & Ireland is a leading provider of career transition and employee development services, supporting individuals and organisations through change.

Owen added: “While it is important people provide company feedback, it’s more important they focus on their public image. Ask yourself – will your review really make the difference you want it to? With accessible, public platforms like TikTok, there has been a real spike in people sharing very personal and traditionally private information.

“This sort of action not only puts the individual at risk, but it also provides an insight for future employers. Before typing or recording a review, employees must take a moment to recognise the possible ramifications. Focusing on the next job opportunity and progressing your career is perhaps a more beneficial action.”

Part of Gi Group Holding, one of the world’s largest and fastest growing HR and recruitment providers, INTOO helps people move forward confidently after redundancy or dismissal, with tailored support and expert guidance.