What is Glassdoor?

Studies have proven that happy employees are more engaged. And engaged employees have greater productivity. All in all, it is important for employers and employees to understand that a healthy work environment truly matters.

With the conversation shifting toward the undeniable benefits that come with employee happiness in the last few years, many platforms have taken center stage and are providing employees with a safe space to make the right decisions when it comes to finding a job. When it comes to online platforms paving the way for improving workplace culture, Glassdoor stands above the rest.

In this article we take a look at the history of this innovative platform and how it has helped employees and employers the world over.

The History of Glassdoor

Glassdoor is the brainchild of Tim Besse and Robert Hohman. The two men began thinking about a workplace culture platform when Hohmn relayed a story of accidentally leaving the results of an employee survey on the printer and the two men began discussing what would happen if the results had gotten out to the public. 

The men both came to the conclusion that if the information had been released to the public, it could actually serve those looking to make a career decision. And the concept of Glassdoor was born. Glassdoor is a website where former and current employees can anonymously review companies. The platform also allows for users to anonymously submit and view salaries as well as apply for jobs through the platform. 

Glassdoor received its first financing in 2008, a whopping $3 million to be precise and in 2012 the company received a $20 million of revenue capital which took its funding to $42.2 million. As the years went by the company grew exponentially and in 2015 it was valued just short of $1 billion. 2016 was another turning point for the business as it was acquired for $1.2 billion in cash - and the acquisition was completed in June 2018. 

The success of the business is undeniable and it continues to grow due to our need for workplace happiness. Today, we are seeking jobs that add to our lives and make us happy - and Glassdoor helps us on that journey. 

The history of the business is fascinating and speaks to the power of innovative thinking in the digital age. Now that we understand how the concept of the platform was born, let’s take a look at what Glassdoor is and how it can help you.

What Glassdoor Can Do for Your and Your Business

Glassdoor is a platform that caters to individuals who are searching for jobs, company reviews, salary information, honest company insights and even interview questions. The site is not a social media platform like LinkedIn, but rather a portal of information to help users find their ideal job. 

Glassdoor does not just benefit job seekers and has the ability to help businesses, HR personnel and recruiters in their endeavors.

The Benefits of Using Glassdoor:

• Benefits for Candidates: The platform allows candidates the chance to look for jobs and read transparent and genuine reviews from current or former employees of a business. In the past, candidates would only be able to get real and honest reviews and feedback about a company if they were lucky enough to know someone personally who worked for the company. Glassdoor is empowering candidates by providing them with authentic information about a particular company so that they don't find themselves in a dire situation that can affect them financially or emotionally - or both. 
• Benefits for Employees: Businesses can encourage employees to leave honest reviews on Glassdoor. This gives employees a place to voice their opinions without fear of being called out - the entire process is anonymous. If businesses use the platform strategically, they can listen to employee likes and dislikes and address any common issues that arise. By directing employees to the platform, businesses are also empowering staff and giving them a voice free of concern or judgement - and this makes for happier, more engaged and ultimately more productive staff. 
• Benefits for Management and HR: HR and management teams can monitor Glassdoor regularly to ensure they have an understanding of any issues within the business. By understanding any possible frustrations in the workspace, HR and management can anticipate, learn and develop better processes and nurture a better company culture. This sets a business up for success and helps reduce friction within the workspace.
• Benefits for Recruiters: Recruiters are able to post jobs to the platform and can read interview reviews in order to gain valuable insight from candidates. This helps recruiters improve their processes and learn more about candidates and their needs, wants and expectations.
• Benefits for Company Branding: You are able to set up a business profile on the platform and have the opportunity to provide candidates with insight into your company. Glassdoor is not necessarily a social media platform (as stated previously), however it does allow room for company updates and engagement. You are able to share news, blogs and related media to your audience. Businesses can also use Glassdoor as a way to showcase their offerings, company culture and work environment. Your business profile can have a header and include video to showcase your company in its entirety. You can also add new staff photos and content to your Glassdoor page to keep it up-to-date and fresh. This kind of attention to detail shows potential candidates that you care. 

The Wrap Up

The key premise of Glassdoor is to provide employees, candidates and employers with transparency. And the platform is designed to help everyone, from CEOs and HR departments through to candidates and current employees. The platform also helps companies in their search for the ideal employees as they will receive the most relevant applications for positions advertised. This saves both the candidate and the business time and streamlines the recruitment process - and this brings us to the digitization of HR in its entirety.

The digitization of HR is the use of technological tools, systems and platforms to fulfil the duties of this department in the most effective way. These automations streamline processes, saving both time and money. It also ensures you’re hiring the right candidates which as we know, can make all the difference when it comes to the success of a business. 

Speak with us at Nexa. Let’s design an HR solution tailored to your business needs so that you can make the most out of your HR efforts.