How much consideration do MBBs give to employees' well-being?

This is a big topic. I love the question. 

In short, MBBs (and consulting firms in general) have made a lot of progress on this side. 

There are lots of internal initiatives ongoing and more protected time for those who need it (e.g., lots of parental-related programs, the possibility to take random leaves, subsidised mental health support, etc.). 

However, one of the core reasons why lifestyle is still problematic is not only because of the pressure these firms put on employees, but because of how the employees draw and respect their boundaries (or rather fail to). The fact that more initiatives around lifestyle have popped up lately is a consequence of consultants making their health and sustainability a priority rather than pushing hard for the next and the next promotion. 

I wrote at length on this topic in these articles if you're curious about going deeper:

• Expert Guide: How to Become A Distinctive Consultant
• Expert Guide: How to Manage for Lifestyle in Consulting

Good luck!
Cristian

Hey there,

Ok, so this might be a bit of a cynical view, but it's just how the world works: They do care about their employees' well-being to the extent that they remain productive assets.

What do I mean?

MBB recognize that burnout is a big problem. It is a problem because they invest time/money/resources into training that productive asset. If you burnout, you do not produce. Therefore they want to prevent burnout so at to keep you productive. Therefore, they care about your well-being…within those constraints…

In practice what does this mean?

Negative

When you're working you need to work. You're expected produce and you cannot drop the ball. If you're on a project, you need to deliver. If you consistently do not deliver and can't handle it, then you're out.

Positive

They do a lot to prevent your burnout. In the office I was in, they offered 10 free therapy sessions (independent party). They assigned you a buddy and had frequent catchups scheduled with a “neutral” person responsible for helping you through the process. They had PTO meetings weekly. They spoke openly about burnout and how to prevent it. Etc. etc.

To answer your question

If those appointments you mentioned do not interfere with your deliverables (client meetings, workshops, getting the job done), then there should not be a problem.

If you are struggling

#1 GET COACHING!

#2 Read this: Consulting Survival Guide - Tips for Your Consulting Career

Hey there,

Your question is nothing to worry about as many consultants face these varied challenges on a weekly basis.

Let’s talk about your concerns:

All MBBs strive to maintain a balance and consider their employees' well-being in theory and partially also in practice, but it’s essential to understand the dynamics at play:

Firstly, personal wellness is acknowledged, but it often requires you to be proactive in asserting your needs. It's not typically managed automatically; you need to communicate and negotiate your requirements, like regular appointments. My first EM in McKinsey taught me to “always choose your battles,” meaning that you should focus on a few items that are important for you and advocate for those.

Most firms are becoming increasingly aware of the importance of mental health and work-life balance, but this awareness doesn’t always translate into practice without a little push from your end. Sometimes this might also falter in urgent client situations and firefighting situations (which do happen a lot – more next).

Generally, the better you are at your core work and deliverables, the more you can demand for yourself (e.g., fly home early, or have other commitments to attend to). If you are already struggling to add significant value to your teams and clients, it is tricky to demand extra treatment.

However, it’s crucial to note that the demanding nature of the job can sometimes make it challenging to adhere to a strict personal schedule. Given the norm of travel cases in MBB, there might be weeks when your routine is disrupted. This is particularly true when your commitments clash with crucial client deliverables or important meetings. While firms may be understanding, the client’s needs – which also impact your team which has to pick up some of your work if you are missing - often take precedence.

Another aspect to consider is the inherent pressure of the job. The high-stakes, fast-paced environment can be taxing, and it’s important to factor in how this might impact your existing stress levels or health needs. While the job is intellectually stimulating and rewarding, the pressure is a constant companion and will definitely have an impact and take its toll. For that matter, it is important to think about proper coping mechanisms from the get-go. I have written a book that also covers this topic, called Consulting Career Secrets, in case you want to learn more about the demands and how to best manage them.

Best of luck with your decision, and take care!

Florian

In my experience they have been very accommodating to reasonable requests. For example I don't see a therapy session prior to work starting really being an issue or any medical related appointments for that matter. 

However there will be limitations on what you can do. It is unlikely you will really have a lot of free time to pursue hobbies especially during the week. At the end of the day it's less about MBB and much more about the project team and how they work 

Hi there,

My thoughts after 6 years in McKinsey:

• The firm has improved a lot globally with initiatives to preserve employees' wellbeing
• Important appoints (as medical) are generally respected as long as you manage it proactively (e.g., telling at the beginning of the project, not impacting on important deadlines by advancing / prioritizing work, etc.)
• Even with all the great progress, if you are not proactive protecting your time, the day to day will eat your whole day, leaving space for too little during the workweek
• Even if you are proactive protecting your time, consulting work is very demanding and it is not for everyone (I have recommended several ex-colleagues to leave, not because they were not performing but because they were not enjoying life as the wanted

Good luck with the interview results!

Best,

Alberto

—

Check out my latest case based on a real MBB interview: Sierra Springs

Hi there,

First of all, congratulations on the progress in the application processes thus far!

I would be happy to share my thoughts on your situation:

• First of all, consulting firms are increasingly attentive to the well-being of their employees. They understand that a content and healthy workforce is pivotal for long-term success. Many have established programs and policies to support various aspects of well-being, including mental health.
• Moreover, while the consulting lifestyle can be demanding, most firms offer some flexibility for personal appointments. It would be wise to be upfront about your needs once an offer is extended, to discuss how your appointments can be accommodated.
• Lastly, I think it's great to prioritize your health and well-being when considering a job offer. A company’s culture and approach to employee health are critical factors for your overall job satisfaction and performance.

If you would like a more detailed discussion on your specific situation, please don't hesitate to contact me directly.

Best,

Hagen

Hi there,

Lots of good thoughts on this thread and I generally agree with them. 
 

One thing to add is that consulting requires travel, and travel plans can shift at the drop of a hat. 
 

Typically Friday is reserved for you to be in your home office but Monday to Thursday is at the client site, which may be in a different city/region/country to your home base.

I’m sure you can attend appointments on Fridays regularly but I’d be confident that firms (and clients) can’t accommodate regular appointments on Monday to Thursday.

You may want to consider whether that requirement is comparable with your appointments. 

Cheers,

B.