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Principal Financial Group

Engaged Employer

Started as an intern, didn't want to leave - Communications Specialist Principal Financial Group Employee Review

5.0
Mar 1, 2016
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Extremely flexible work environment--I can work from home when the weather is bad and it's unsafe to travel or if I'm not feeling well, which is a huge plus. You can also work in a variety of places on-campus besides just your desk--lots of cool collaborative spaces, and my favorite is the art gallery. Great coworkers and great people who love what they do and care about doing what's best for customers. Good benefits and fair compensation for your experience. Senior leaders are very open and approachable and willing to answer questions--I've had at least 3 opportunities to network or attend Q&A sessions in the 9 months I've been here so far.

Cons

At this point, I honestly have none. I've had the best possible first "real" job experience a person could ask for. I suppose we still need to catch up with better technology tools in some places but that's always a work in progress.

Explore other reviews about Principal Financial Group

5.0
Jun 24, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

good FTO policy good opportunity for career development flexible work arrangements

Cons

health insurance sucks - United annual reviews- everything's made up and the points don't matter more and more pressure to be in-office despite team members being remote

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Principal Financial Group Response
6d
Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback. Your input is valuable as we work to improve as an employer.
2.0
Jun 4, 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
2w
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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