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Principal Financial Group

Engaged employer

Worst Record Keeping Agency - Retirement Specialist Principal Financial Group Employee Review

1.0
26 Jan 2025
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

The leaders there are seasoned vets.

Cons

**Review for Principal Financial Group:** I have to say, my experience with Principal Financial Group has been incredibly disappointing. This company claims to prioritize upward mobility, but in reality, it seems like a façade. The top-down hierarchy treats employees as mere numbers in a system, making it clear that genuine advancement is only possible through nepotism. While they tout their commitment to diversity and inclusion, the leadership team is overwhelmingly composed of white males, which speaks volumes about their true priorities. Since going public, the treatment of employees has become increasingly automated, lacking any semblance of human empathy. The expectations set for performance are unrealistic and monitored by an ineffective AI system that only adds to the stress. It's frustrating to see how far behind they are compared to competitors who actually value their employees. I cannot recommend Principal Financial Group as either an employer or a record keeper. If you’re looking for a company that genuinely values its workforce, look elsewhere.

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Principal Financial Group Response
1y
Thank you for bringing this to our attention. At Principal, we take these matters very seriously. We’re committed to providing a diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment, free of unlawful discrimination, and harassment. Please report discriminatory or harassing behavior immediately to your leader, employee relations consultant or local Human Resources contact.

Explore other reviews about Principal Financial Group

5.0
28 May 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Three years in and still LOVE it. Great leadership. Work-like balance. Principal invests in their employees with training and professional development. It's very telling when literally thousands of employees have been there for 20-25-30+ years.

Cons

First time in a large company. Sometimes it is tricky to find the right internal partner to get the answer you need.

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Principal Financial Group Response
2w
We appreciate your feedback! Hearing that you felt supported reinforces what we're proud of—the strong community we've built together.
2.0
4 June 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Decent work life balance and benefits. Principal offers a pension which is unheard of in today’s age.

Cons

Pay is below average and Principal does not offer inflation raises. Once you hit the midpoint of your salary, you will get a 0% raise until you’re promoted, which will take multiple years regardless of performance. Performance reviews are vague and often used against employees to avoid promotions. At least in my department, I’ve yet to see any of the remote workers be promoted. This is starting to affect attrition and we’re already starting to see people leaving. It’s well known at this point that the best way to get promoted is to leave Principal and get rehired, which even leadership has stated publicly. This is a huge frustration and blow to morale, as it starts to feel like employees need to compete against their co-workers for raises.

1
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Principal Financial Group Response
1w
We appreciate you sharing your feedback. As a leader in retirement solutions and employee benefits, we strive to provide our employees with a competitive benefits package. Our global pay philosophy is guided by market-driven principles. and we leverage third-party market data to ensure our base salary and incentives remain appropriately competitive.
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