Role of employee tenure in shaping the generation and consumption of online employee reviews

Purpose This study explores how an employee’s tenure influences the characteristics of their online reviews. It focuses on the effects on review informativeness, collective language use and perceived helpfulness. Design/methodology/approach This study investigates the relationship between employee tenure and review characteristics through an empirical analysis of a series of online reviews on Glassdoor. Findings Long-tenured employees are more likely to provide positive, detailed reviews that incorporate collective language. Such reviews are also perceived as more helpful by prospective employees, enhancing the organization’s attractiveness. Practical implications To enhance their brand and attract potential job seekers, organizations can leverage the insights of long-tenured employees by encouraging them to share their experiences online. Originality/value This study highlights the unique role of employee tenure in shaping feedback and contributes to research on organizational behavior and online reviews. It also offers insights into the overlooked impact of tenure on review dynamics.