Aktuelle InSights

Between April and June 2020 Vencon Research conducted the first Pulse Survey in the light of the unseen and unknown economic, financial, and personal impact of the COVID-19 crisis.

This Update to the Pulse Survey is a result of many requests from our clients over the past months wanting to find out how other professional services firms have adjusted to the crisis. Not just questions about the near and long-term future but also about the measures taken to react to COVID-19 and which may be sustainable and/or change the future of work and business in the consulting industry.

Most participating firms operated in strategy consulting, followed by IT consulting/services and operations consulting. 51% of responses came from firms located in Western Europe, followed by North America (20%) and AsiaPac (13%); ROW responses were 16%. Responses were well distributed with regards to firm size; slightly more responses came from firms employing 50-249 consultants (27%).

Here are some of the “highlights” from the key findings of the survey:

Business Situation and Prospects

The outlook for the coming year was fairly positive: More than half of the firms (54%) expected COVID-19 to positively impact their business. Generally, the consulting industry was surprisingly optimistic: A total of 82% of the firms expected better business prospects, despite COVID-19.

Effects on Workforce

During the previous 12 months more than half of respondents (52%) stated they reduced hiring; Interestingly, 31% reported increasing hiring. More than half of firms (56%) expected to increase hiring in the coming 12 months based on largely positive expectations regarding their business situation. Most firms (78%) expected either no adjustment or a slight increase in their existing workforce after COVID-19; only 17% of firms expected a significant increase. The problems mentioned resulted from staff working too long, a lack of “down time” and/or “switching off”; “virtual” onboarding/training was also difficult.

Promotion, Compensation & Place of Work

Most firms (82%) provided the necessary support to allow employees to work remotely and/or work from home, including for example computer/laptop, high-speed broad-band internet access, headphones, video camera equipment, etc., as well as other benefits.

The mental health of employees was considered a major challenge during the COVID-19 crisis. Hence, almost all firms provided additional training (93%) and self-management assistance (88%) to ensure employees are not over-worked and do not face “burnout” or the like. However, only 34% actually tracked home office working time.

Firms reacted differently regarding compensation adjustments: “merit” based pay increases continued to be offered; however, bonuses were reduced or suspended.

The majority of firms (75%) expected office usage to be reduced in the future and expected “work from home” to be continued (to a degree). In particular firms implemented “work from home”, which has become a standard way of operating for many firms; at least partly.

Long-term Changes and Challenges

Flexibility of place of work is expected to increase as most respondents (89%) expected “work from home” to be permanently implemented, but at lower than current levels (min. 1 to max. 3 days p/w). With regards to the difficulties arising from the increased usage of “work from home” or “remote work” and other permanent changes in business operations most firms mentioned the “soft” factors (e.g. self-management, continued health and well-being, culture) that were and will be challenges faced by “work from home” policies.

Many firms (59% of respondents) expected Business Development (i.e. sales) to become more “virtualised”.

The Long-term Outlook

Interestingly, almost half of the firms (49%) expected things to get back to “normal” within a given time, i.e. to the conditions before COVID-19. On the other hand, 39% of the respondents stated that there will be no return to a “before”.

Should you have any further questions or would like to receive more detailed information on this topic, please reach out to us at info@venconresearch.com.

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Andy Klose is an Associate Partner at Vencon Research International and heads the firm’s consulting unit.

Erwin Harbauer is a Partner at and co-founder of Vencon Research International.

Vencon Research International is a leading provider of compensation benchmarking and research as well as of compensation and performance-related consulting services for professional service firms, especially for audit and tax, management consulting, and IT services firms. Vencon Research International provides services to a full range of clients in more than 75 countries worldwide and is proud to name more than 85% of the world’s major consulting and/or professional services firm its clients.

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By Veronika von Strachwitz-Camara - Business Development Senior Manager

While cash compensation often takes centre stage in compensation benchmarking, benefits play an equally important role in attracting and retaining talent.

In the consulting industry, where competition for skilled professionals is intense, offering a robust and relevant benefits package can be a decisive factor for employees at every career stage. Here's a closer look at why consulting firms should prioritize benchmarking their benefits.

Understanding Benefits: More Than "Fringe"

Benefits encompass a wide array of offerings, both cash-related and non-cash-related. These can be categorized into:

1. Hard Benefits: Tangible offerings with direct financial value, such as healthcare, life insurance, retirement contributions, and car allowances.
2. Soft Benefits: Non-financial perks that improve work-life balance or enhance the workplace experience, including vacation days, sabbaticals, parental leave, professional development support, and flexible work arrangements.

Both types of benefits are essential, but their significance varies with employee preferences, career stage, industry trends, and market specifics. Early-career employees often value immediate financial perks like healthcare and allowances, while experienced professionals prioritize retirement plans and security. Regional differences also play a critical role; for example, countries with limited public services require robust private benefits, while flexible work policies are highly valued in regions where work-life balance has become a cultural norm. Consulting firms must adapt their offerings to align with global trends, local market demands, and the diverse needs of their workforce to stay competitive.

The Case for Benchmarking Benefits

By regularly evaluating and aligning their offerings, firms can remain competitive, adapt to evolving trends, and meet the diverse needs of their workforce.

Here are ten compelling reasons consulting firms should prioritize benefits benchmarking:

1. Attract and Retain Top Talent

Consulting firms face fierce competition for highly skilled professionals. To stand out, they must offer benefits packages that align with what employees value most.

• New Hires: Often prioritize hard benefits due to their tangible nature.
• Tenured Employees: Place greater emphasis on security-related benefits like health coverage and retirement planning.

2. Ensure Competitiveness

Benchmarking ensures consulting firms stay competitive by understanding how their benefits compare to industry standards.

• Market Positioning: While some firms aim to offer benefits at the market average, others—especially top-tier strategy consultancies—strive to lead the market to gain a distinct edge.

3. Stay Aligned with Market Trends

Regular benchmarking helps firms adapt to emerging trends. Some notable examples include:

• Unlimited Vacation Policies (popular in the US and UK).
• Fertility Treatments as part of health benefits.
• General Mobility Allowances for eco-friendly commuting options.

Adopting forward-thinking benefits also enhances a firm's image as modern and employee-focused.

4. Support Work-Life Balance

Consulting is demanding, often involving long hours and frequent travel. Benefits like mental health support, remote work options, and sabbaticals are increasingly valued. Ultimately, a healthy work-life balance is an essential driver of sustainable productivity.

• Generational Shift: Younger employees tend to prioritize work-life balance over traditional markers of success like salary or status, focusing on vacation days, sabbaticals, and team-building events.

5. Optimize Cost-Effectiveness

Benchmarking helps firms allocate resources wisely:

• Identify underutilized benefits and redirect funds to those with higher perceived value.
• Avoid overinvesting in trendy but low-impact perks while ensuring sought-after benefits are covered.

6. Address Demographic Shifts

• Retirement Security: With decreasing public pension guarantees, private retirement options are critical for employees at all stages.
• Health Insurance: A robust health plan is increasingly vital as public offerings shrink in many markets.

7. Foster a Modern Workplace Culture

Younger professionals are drawn to firms with:

• Considered Workspaces: Well-designed offices, collaborative environments, and wide-ranging amenities.
• Social Perks: Team-building events and activities that foster camaraderie.

Maintaining a balance between traditional benefits and modern workplace culture is a challenge but critical to success.

8. Regional Considerations

Different regions have unique needs that must be addressed when structuring benefits. For example:

• In the US, where public benefits are minimal, firms must offer comprehensive private packages to ensure employees have adequate coverage.
• In GCC countries, benefits packages often need to reflect expectations around allowances, housing, and even child education, making it important to understand these specific regional requirements.

9. Legal Requirements

Benchmarking benefits can help firms navigate local legal frameworks, ensuring compliance with labour laws and industry standards.

• For companies opening offices in new regions, detailed benefits reports are invaluable to understand local legal obligations and competitor offerings.
• This ensures firms structure benefits packages that meet regulatory requirements while staying competitive in the local market.

10. Encourage Innovation in Benefits Strategy

Analysing competitors' offerings can inspire innovative, cost-effective solutions that resonate with employees. Benchmarking may also highlight gaps or strengths in current offerings, equipping HR teams with data to better communicate benefits' value to employees.

The Vencon Research Approach

Benchmarking benefits is not just about staying competitive; it’s about understanding and responding to what employees truly value. For consulting firms, this translates to happier, more engaged teams and a stronger position in the talent market. By leveraging detailed insights from Vencon Research, firms can craft benefits packages that deliver value for both employees and the business.

Vencon Research specializes in compensation and benefits benchmarking for consulting firms. Our Benefits Reports are tailored to the consulting industry, offering:

• Detailed market insights.
• Up-to-date trends and legal requirements.
• Customized solutions for specific regions or firm needs.

Available as off-the-shelf or bespoke reports, they provide the comprehensive data consulting firms need to stay competitive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

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By Mik Bodnar - Business Development Senior Manager

Strategy consulting firms are facing notable shifts in workforce dynamics, shaped by evolving market demands and regional economic conditions. Recent analysis by Vencon Research highlights significant headcount trends across Germany, Japan, the UAE, the UK, and the USA, offering valuable insights for HR leaders faced with these realities.

Workforce Trends in Strategy Consulting

The consulting industry continues to grapple with tightening talent markets and rising compensation pressures. Entry-level positions have been disproportionately affected, reflecting cost containment strategies and evolving hiring priorities. At the same time, senior roles such as Principal-level positions remain in demand, suggesting a focus on leadership and specialized expertise.

Meanwhile, regional disparities have become more pronounced. While mature markets like Germany and the USA reported negligible changes in overall headcount, the UAE experienced exceptional growth, driven by strong demand for consulting services in the region.

These trends align with broader industry shifts. Hybrid work models, purpose-driven consulting, and demand for cross-functional expertise are reshaping workforce strategies in the sector. Effective talent management, including targeted upskilling and leadership development programs, has become critical for retaining top talent in an increasingly competitive market.

Findings from Vencon Research

Vencon Research's year-on-year analysis of strategy consulting firms reveals the following key trends:

1. Declines in Entry-Level Roles: Analyst positions experienced the largest reductions, with headcounts decreasing by over 10% in Japan, the UK, and the USA.
2. Growth in Senior Roles: Principals were the only group to show consistent headcount increases across all regions studied.
3. Regional Variations:

• Minimal Changes in Germany and the USA: Overall headcounts remained relatively stable.
• Decreases in Japan and the UK: These markets saw modest declines in total headcount.
• Exceptional Growth in the UAE: Headcount increased by nearly 20%, with associate roles surging over 40%.

Implications for HR Leaders in Strategy Consulting

Current workforce trends present both challenges and opportunities for HR and business leaders in strategy consulting. As firms reassess their approaches to talent management and compensation, several key questions emerge:

• Are our workforce trends aligned with market benchmarks, or should we adjust to remain competitive?
• How can we capitalize on opportunities to attract top talent amid rising attrition at competing firms?
• What measures can optimize compensation strategies, particularly for critical senior-level roles?

Addressing these issues demands a balanced strategy—maintaining workforce stability while remaining responsive to changing economic and market conditions. For example, reductions in entry-level positions may appear manageable in the short term but could weaken the talent pipeline over time. Conversely, growth at senior levels underscores the importance of retaining and fairly compensating leadership talent while controlling costs.

Making informed decisions starts with access to accurate, market-specific data. Vencon Research provides targeted solutions to help firms act decisively. Our compensation benchmarking services deliver precise, actionable insights tailored to strategy consulting firms, enabling leaders to align pay structures with evolving market realities. By including detailed job matching as a core component, these services ensure roles are benchmarked with precision, providing a solid foundation for competitive and equitable compensation plans.

Beyond benchmarking, Vencon Research offers customized solutions to tackle unique challenges. Whether addressing talent shortages in established markets, identifying growth opportunities in high-demand regions like the UAE, or refining workforce strategies in response to economic shifts, our expertise equips firms with the tools to act with confidence.

To learn how Vencon Research can support your firm in meeting workforce and compensation challenges, visit venconresearch.com. With comprehensive insights and practical solutions, strategy consulting firms can position themselves not only to overcome today’s challenges but to strengthen their teams for long-term success.

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By Veronika von Strachwitz-Camara - Business Development

In compensation management, a thorough understanding of market trends is essential for businesses aiming to attract and retain talent. This understanding is often gained from salary survey reports, which provide the crucial data points for crafting competitive compensation strategies.

Here, we explore the key indicators highlighted in Vencon Research salary surveys and how they inform decision-making across talent management scenarios.

Client Priorities: Focusing on Essentials

Clients consistently emphasize the usefulness of several key indicators from our salary survey report that help them get the insights they need to focus their compensation strategies.

Total Cash Compensation (TCC) Medians per Career Level:

This metric offers a comprehensive view of compensation, including base salaries and bonuses, serving as a fundamental benchmark.

Alongside Basic Salary and Bonus, Total Cash Compensation is presented in a separate tab, both for the current and previous year as well as in firm and incumbent weighted (link) forms. It is also viewable in the accompanying PDF presentation, as well as via the dashboard.

TCC offers the quickest overview of compensation in the market, while our percentile breakdown indicates the prevalence and level of variance from the median.

Basic Salary Medians per Career Level:

This view provides insights into salary structures across different career levels. Basic salary as a metric is essential for understanding baseline compensation.

Our reports present all data broken down into 5 career levels with 3 sub-levels each. These levels are carefully matched against participants own career structures to ensure like-for-like comparison.

Bonus Medians per Career Level:

Bonuses are integral to compensation packages, and understanding bonus medians helps assess reward structures and performance-based incentives. Bonuses are presented both in monetary value as well as in percentage of basic salary form.

Once again, we present not just the median but the full percentile scale, and allow for comparison with your own firm’s basic salary.

While the median serves as a reliable reference point for many firms, ambitious enterprises may explore higher percentiles for competitive insights.

Firm-weighted Salaries:

For smaller firms, firm-weighted salaries ensure balanced analyses reflective of diverse organizational landscapes.

The choice between firm-weighted and incumbent-weighted data depends on organizational size and preference. We recommend watching our three-minute video on the topic for a concise introduction to the difference in each approach.

Utilization of Data: Practical Applications

Beyond mere observation, clients utilize the data in our reports in various ways:

• Market Positioning Assessment: Well organised compensation data allows organizations to understand their competitive stance within the industry, including employee reactions to compensation changes, turnover trends, and job satisfaction levels.
• Global Teams Harmonizing Salary Ranges: Multinational corporations leverage survey data to align compensation frameworks across regions, empowering local HR teams to refine offerings.
• Strategic Recruitment: Key indicators inform the crafting of compelling compensation packages to attract both junior and senior talent, ensuring competitiveness in the talent market.
• Retention Strategies: By benchmarking against industry standards, organizations identify retention risks and implement targeted interventions to foster loyalty.
• Bonus Allocation: Insights from bonus medians and payout ratios guide organizations in strategically distributing bonuses based on performance and market benchmarks.

Tailoring Indicators to Needs

Different talent management scenarios require emphasis on specific indicators:

Recruiting Junior Levels:

Basic salary medians and bonus structures provide insights into entry-level compensation and growth potential.

Recruiting Senior Levels:

TCC medians and bonus potential are crucial for senior candidates assessing overall value propositions.

Retention Strategies:

Comparative analyses of salary increases aid in identifying retention risks and devising targeted retention strategies for each career level.

Bonus Allocation:

Analysis of bonus medians and payout ratios ensures fair and strategic bonus allocation aligned with performance metrics.

An Invaluable Tool for Compensation Management

Salary survey reports are invaluable tools for compensation management. By understanding key indicators and leveraging data-driven insights, businesses can develop competitive compensation strategies that attract, retain, and motivate top talent effectively.

Find out more about Vencon Research's Consultant Salary Survey here.

As a trusted HR partner for the consulting industry, Vencon Research is here to help you unlock the full potential of your team. Contact us to learn more about how we can support your HR needs and drive success for your business.

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By Yao Tang - Business Development

With labour shortages challenging growth, companies across all sectors in Japan face the dilemma of attracting and retaining top talent while upholding stringent standards. As many of Vencon Research’s local clients have shared with us, this is also a critical concern within the consulting industry.

Maintaining high standards in recruitment remains crucial. Lowering stringent entry requirements is still considered a last resort as businesses strive to secure top talents without compromising quality.

Current Challenges in Japan’s Talent Market:

With Asia's largest economy centered in Tokyo, Japan faces unique challenges in its job market. Major factors contributing to this include:

1. Discrepancy in Demand and Supply: Japan, housing Asia's largest and most diverse economy, centered in Tokyo, grapples with a talent shortage despite a low unemployment rate of 2.70%. Factors like the post-COVID economic resurgence, an aging population, and globalization contribute to a surge in demand for specialized talents, particularly in fields like consulting.

2. Lack of Talent Fluidity: The prevalent job-for-life mentality in Japan poses a significant hurdle to talent mobility. Extracting employees from entrenched positions is challenging due to deep-seated loyalty and risk aversion. Traditional Japanese firms, known for stability, discourage job changes, presenting recruitment challenges for employers.

3. High Cost of Talent Recruiting: Japan's agency culture expedites hiring but inflates recruitment expenses. Steep provisions, reaching up to 100% of a successful candidate's annual salary, pose financial challenges. Even tier-1 consulting firms face provisions of around 80%, contributing to inefficient recruitment processes.

Strategies to Navigate the Challenges:

As employers grapple with attracting and retaining top talent while upholding rigorous standards, strategic solutions come to the forefront, from investing in employer branding to streamlining recruitment processes:

1. Invest in Employer Branding: Highlight your company's unique culture, values, and growth opportunities through social media, employee testimonials, and industry accolades to attract top talent.

2. Develop Talent Pipelines: Forge partnerships with universities, professional organizations, and industry networks to identify potential candidates proactively, ensuring a steady stream of qualified candidates.

3. Offer Competitive Compensation and Benefits: Conduct market research to ensure competitive compensation packages. Consider additional perks, such as flexible work arrangements and wellness programs, to attract and retain talent.

4. Provide Training and Development: Invest in training programs to upskill employees and attract candidates valuing continuous learning. Offer opportunities for professional growth to increase satisfaction and retention.

5. Streamline Recruitment Processes: Optimize recruitment processes using technology, such as applicant tracking systems and video interviews, to reduce time-to-hire and enhance the candidate experience.

6. Cultivate a Positive Candidate Experience: Ensure a positive and professional experience throughout the recruitment process. Communicate transparently, provide timely feedback, and personalize the experience to make candidates feel valued.

One common factor uniting these initiatives is that they all underscore a commitment to securing and retaining top talent. Organizations implementing these will pave the way for a more robust and adaptable workforce, ensuring sustained success, even within a difficult landscape for talent acquisition.

Our focus at Vencon Research is on leveraging market data to devise competitive compensation solutions tailored to your needs. Our expertise lies in optimizing employer branding, streamlining recruitment processes, and offering strategic HR solutions. For further insights and to explore how our expertise can benefit your organization, please feel free to contact us.

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By Yao Tang - Business Development

In the dynamic world of consulting, cultivating a work environment that engages and motivates emerging professionals is not just a matter of good practice; it's a strategic imperative for sustained organizational success.

Beyond traditional onboarding practices, this article explores practical strategies that actively contribute to the fulfilment and long-term retention of your newest team members.

Understanding the diversity of our workforce is essential. Thus, customizing retention and motivation strategies to the unique needs and aspirations of our new graduates is a pivotal aspect of talent management that ensures a workforce committed to our shared goals. Happy and motivated professionals are more likely to stay with the organization, reducing turnover costs and contributing to the continuity of high-quality service delivery.

So, let's explore some practical tips specifically tailored to the consulting industry, taking into account the diverse needs of new graduates:

1. Emphasise Client Exposure: Let new grads know they'll work on various projects in different industries. It's a great motivator for those eager to get diverse experience.
2. Highlight Training: Talk up your training programs. New hires often appreciate structured learning to build their skills.
3. Connect Work to Clients: Emphasize how their work directly affects clients and organizations. Knowing they're making a real difference can be a big motivator.
4. Fast Learning Curve: Make sure new grads understand that consulting involves a quick learning curve. The chance to learn fast can be motivating for ambitious individuals.
5. Mentorship Programs: Pair new consultants with experienced professionals for guidance. It helps them navigate projects and provides career advice.
6. Build Client Relationships: Encourage strong client relationships. The satisfaction of project success and gaining client trust can be a big motivator.
7. Explore Different Roles: Let new grads try different roles to find what suits them best.
8. Work-Life Balance: Promote a healthy work-life balance. Consulting can be demanding, so support them in managing workload and stress.
9. Recognition and Rewards: Acknowledge outstanding performance with bonuses, promotions, and incentives.
10. Global Opportunities: Talk about chances for international assignments. Some may find working abroad motivating.
11. Continuous Learning: Stress the importance of staying updated on industry trends and technologies.
12. Client Feedback: Actively seek and share positive client feedback. Knowing their efforts are appreciated boosts motivation.
13. Team Collaboration: Highlight the importance of teamwork. Strong relationships with colleagues enhance job satisfaction.
14. Exit Options: Make sure new grads are aware of potential career paths within and outside consulting.

These practical strategies for engaging and motivating new graduates in the consulting sector underscore the importance of tailoring approaches to individual needs. By recognizing the diverse aspirations and preferences of emerging professionals, organizations can foster a work environment that not only attracts top talent but also retains it for the long haul.

Feel free to get in touch with Vencon Research to explore how our tailored advisory services, market intelligence, and ongoing support can enhance your firm's HR practices. Our team is here to collaborate with you and providing practical solutions that align with the unique needs of your workforce. Together, we can shape an environment where your HR strategies not only attract top talent but also cultivate a workplace culture that fosters long-term professional fulfilment.

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