Pros
The people at The Paramount Group are truly what make the company special. Everyone was kind, supportive, and genuinely enjoyable to work with. I made some of my closest friends at this company, and with the right mindset, it began to feel like a big family (though that dynamic can have its downsides).
When I first started, the perks were outstanding. We had a fully stocked snack bar, a 4% employer 401(k) match, company-covered health insurance, and generous PTO that was respected rather than micromanaged. Birthdays were always celebrated, and lunches were free and plentiful every day. The CEO often went above and beyond to reward team members with thoughtful perks like clothes, outings, and even cash.
I learned a tremendous amount and felt genuinely appreciated when I first started. Annual reviews led to generous raises, and it felt like my work was truly being recognized and rewarded. I was doing what I loved, at a company that valued my contributions, alongside coworkers I genuinely liked.
Cons
The work-life balance at The Paramount Group was neither healthy nor sustainable. Though official hours were 9 to 5, it was discouraged to arrive or leave exactly on time. “Optics” mattered more than outcomes—if you weren’t seen at your desk, your work was assumed to be lacking. This fostered a culture of performative presence rather than genuine trust.
Micromanagement worsened over time. Small, understandable mistakes were fixated on and gossiped about, while meaningful communication and support were lacking. The culture shifted from collaborative to quietly judgmental.
Perks that once made the company feel rewarding steadily disappeared. The 401(k) match dropped to 1%—announced just before Christmas—while employer-covered health insurance, a stocked snack bar, and flexible PTO were phased out. The remaining “perks” amounted to dogs in the office and a discounted salon, which couldn’t make up for the loss of meaningful benefits.
The Paramount Group began as a promising place to learn and grow, but shifting values and a lack of support created an environment where it became harder to thrive. I’m grateful for the lessons, but I hope the company re-evaluates its culture for the benefit of those who remain.