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Principal Financial Group

Engaged employer

Quit due to incredibly toxic management - Software Engineer Principal Financial Group Employee Review

1.0
19 Sept 2023
Recommend
CEO approval
Business outlook

Pros

Work life balance was nice.

Cons

After working at PFG for multiple years, I got a new manager and they were incredibly toxic. They started picking on me and and alienating me from the rest of the team. I tried to reach out to HR and to management but no one cared to listen. I eventually quit as the situation was too toxic and there was no coming back from it. I was also switched teams multiple times with different managers with no heads up. Company was very slow as it was so big and took forever to make decisions. Up until this experience I had a good time at Principal, but after it I'd never recommend anyone work here.

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
2d
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 Jun 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.

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