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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 Veronika von Strachwitz-Camara - Business Development Senior Manager

Within the broader world of management consulting, so-called economic consulting firms provide services related to economic analysis, forecasting, and litigation support, aiding clients in achieving strategic goals and mitigating risks in evolving business environments.

Economic consulting firms tend to experience increased demand for their expertise during times of disruption and market uncertainty, such as occurred on a global scale and across industries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Economic consultants have found themselves at the forefront of pandemic response within business, assisting clients in analysing market trends, making informed decisions, and devising strategies to weather the storm. In turn, the increased demand for expert economic insights during uncertain times has contributed to the upward trajectory of economic consulting salaries.

Economic Consulting across Sectors

Economic consultants serve a wide range of industries, and the impact of the pandemic and subsequent global unease has varied by sector. Some industries, such as healthcare and technology, saw increased demand for consulting services, which in many cases have led to salary increases.

Another sector with growing demand for economic consulting, energy and sustainability, has seen increasing growth due to the impact of climate change; as economic consulting services are called on to, for example, predict consequences of investments in certain markets and geographies.

Governments seek economic consulting services to inform policy formulation, assess economic impacts of proposed changes, and ensure data-driven decision-making. The scale and urgency of recent macro-level challenges have propelled government engagement with economic consultants to new heights. National economies faced unprecedented disruptions in the pandemic, as well as with recent geopolitical shifts such as the Ukraine war, prompting governments to seek strategies that could mitigate adverse effects and accelerate recovery or restructuring of business.

At the same time, the surge in demand hasn't been uniform across all sectors. Industries like travel, hospitality, and retail have been severely affected by events ranging from the pandemic to breakdowns in regional security, leading to decreased demand for economic consulting services in these areas.

Growth Trajectory: Economic Consulting Salaries

The overall surge in government and industry demand for economic consulting services has had a direct impact on salaries in the field. Economic consultants with expertise in areas such as macroeconomic modelling, fiscal policy analysis, and public finance have seen their skills become even more valued. Governments are competing with private sector firms to secure top talent, driving up the salaries of consultants with a proven track record in addressing complex economic challenges.

HR-sourced economic consulting salary data collected by Vencon Research as well as numerous discussions with clients in the field confirm the trend, showing in part drastic increases in economic consulting salaries.

This increased demand is not confined to developed economies; emerging markets are also recognizing the importance of economic consulting in shaping their economic recovery trajectories. As governments strive to strike the delicate balance between safeguarding public health and revitalizing economies, they turn to economic consultants for insights that can steer their policy decisions in the right direction.

It's important to note that economic consulting is a highly specialized field, and compensation can be influenced by a wide range of factors. To get a more accurate and up-to-date picture of salary trends in economic consulting, it's advisable to consult industry reports, salary surveys, and reach out to professionals in the field or specific firms for the most current information. Additionally, economic conditions and salary trends can change over time, so it's essential to consider the context of the specific time period you are interested in.

First-sourced Salary Data from Vencon Research Benchmarking Surveys

To get an accurate and up-to-date picture of salary trends in economic consulting, you can consult Vencon Research’s specialised Economic Consulting (ECO) salary surveys for the most current information.

Please feel free to reach out to one of our experts.

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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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By Philip Thomas - Advisory

Benchmarking for partners in the consulting industry is crucial as it ensures that their compensation aligns with their unique leadership roles, individual contributions, and the overall strategic success of the firm, acknowledging the distinct and multifaceted nature of partner responsibilities; however, the inherent complexity often makes partner surveys less common compared to their more standardized consultant counterparts.

Unique requirements for benchmarking partners

Robust and meaningful partner compensation benchmarking surveys require significant amounts of work and inevitably entail a large number of complex variables, encompassing various forms of current and deferred income, while taking account of individual performance metrics, market dynamics, tenure, and specific contributions to the partnership.

Broadly speaking, accuracy in view of all these considerations rests on three key pillars:

• Job Matching
• Total Income
• Firm Selection

While each of these can be considered a separate discipline or area of expertise, similarities lie in a shared requirement for solid logical foundations, deep knowledge of and experience with the market, and defined and appropriate methodologies.

Should any one of the three pillars fail, the resultant compensation report would not be robust or meaningful.

Let’s take a look at the three key pillars in more detail:

Job Matching

Generally speaking, the more value that a partner adds to their firm the more income that they can expect in return.

It is therefore essential to understand the value added to a firm in order to job match appropriately.

Vencon Research’s approach utilises a generic framework to match client levels to other directly comparable levels in the market. Comparability is determined based on detailed consideration of a variety of relevant information (as applicable) including but not limited to:

• Job titles
• Job descriptions
• Defined roles and responsibilities
• Function, industry, service line and practice responsibility
• Geographical responsibility
• Sales revenue generation
• Deliver revenue responsibility
• Managed revenue responsibility
• Span of control
• Utilisation rates
• Strategic involvement

Total Income

Firms often take very different strategic approaches with respect to the types and sizes of remuneration components that they offer their partners. Firm structure dictates to an extent what is or is not possible, however, even between firms of comparable structure we often see bespoke and unique approaches.

It is therefore crucial to gain deep understanding of the ins and outs of each firm’s remuneration package in order to be able to determine the correct income data. Along with the raw income data, Vencon gathers extensive information about firm structure, remuneration packages and the individual components.

In simple terms, Vencon Research’s approach ensures:

• Inclusion of all income that should be included.
• Exclusion of any income that shouldn’t be included.
• That any included income is included in a like-for-like manner.

Firm Selection

Benchmarking surveys compare one data set (client data) to a market data set based on a selected list of relevant competitors. If the market data was based on an unspecified list, it would not be possible for the client to make sound judgements or decide upon the right corrective action.

Given the highly sensitive nature of partner data, Vencon Research’s Partner Compensation reports are anonymous, i.e. the market firms are not named. However, key criteria about each firm is provided so that clients are able to make suitably informed decisions and select appropriate competitors.

In brief, while ensuring each participating firm’s anonymity, Vencon Research indicates the following for each selectable market firm:

·         Firm Type (original firm focus, e.g. Operations-based or Pure Strategy)

·         Firm size in terms of firm revenue

·         Firm size in terms of number of Consultants

·         Revenue per Consultant

·         International presence (countries located in)

·         Scope of different industries served

·         Scope of services/functions offered

Vencon Research’s detailed and committed approach to data gathering, data analysis, data clarification and data management ensures that the three key pillars stay standing which in turn results in robust and meaningful Partner Compensation Benchmarking Surveys.

For further information on our Partner, or other benchmarking surveys, visit our website, or get in touch to arrange a consultation.

By Veronika von Strachwitz-Camara - Business Development Senior Manager

Many larger consulting firms have not only started integrating sustainability and environmental topics into their services but have also established separate entities focusing solely on these issues.

Growth Trajectory

As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, companies and organizations have increasingly recognized the imperative to integrate sustainable practices into their operations.

Consulting firms with backgrounds in mining, energy, or engineering provide expertise to help companies navigate the intricate landscape of environmental regulations and develop sustainable strategies.

These were the pioneers. However, nearly all management consultancies have since incorporated environmental and sustainability into their services, recognizing their growing importance in both business and daily life. Such is the popular recognition of environment and sustainability that the enhancement to brand reputation gained from openly addressing it is significant.

Evolution and Current Trends

While the goals of environmental and sustainability consulting have remained largely similar over the years, there are observable shifts in focus from year to year based on changing requirements and technological possibilities.

Public opinion and corporate attitudes towards environmental issues have undergone significant changes over the past decade. Climate change, resource depletion, pollution, and social responsibility have become key concerns globally. Consumers demand environmentally friendly products and services, while investors and sustainable shareholders prioritize them. In response, companies are recognizing the need to incorporate environmental sustainability into their long-term strategies.

Environmental and sustainability consultancies offer expert advice on various issues, including energy efficiency, waste management, emissions reduction, and sustainable supply chain management. They assist in identifying and managing potential environmental risks, helping companies adopt sustainable practices that meet regulatory requirements and international standards.

Factors Driving Continued Growth

Several factors continue to contribute to the steady growth of the environmental and sustainability consulting industry:

1. Evolving regulatory landscape: Governments worldwide are introducing stricter environmental regulations, compelling companies to adapt to new compliance requirements. Environmental consulting firms help companies navigate these regulations and develop effective strategies.
2. Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Companies are under increasing pressure to demonstrate commitment to the environment and social responsibility. Environmental consultants help integrate sustainability into CSR initiatives, showcasing environmental responsibility to stakeholders.
3. Cost savings and efficiency: Sustainable practices often lead to cost savings and improved operational efficiency. Environmental consultants identify opportunities for resource optimization, waste reduction, and energy efficiency.
4. Improving reputation and brand: Implementing sustainability can enhance a company's reputation and brand value. Environmental consultants help organizations implement sustainable initiatives, improving brand perception and customer loyalty.
5. Investor demand: Institutional investors and asset managers increasingly incorporate environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria into investment decisions. Environmental consultants help companies identify ESG-related risks and opportunities, meeting investor expectations and accessing capital.

Current Trends in Environmental Consulting

Major current trends in environmental and sustainability consulting include:

1. Data-Driven Approach: Accurate and reliable ESG data is essential for providing optimal advice and decision-making. Technological developments allow precise data collection and analysis for ESG decisions.
2. Global ESG Frameworks: ESG consultants are promoting international transparency, addressing issues beyond climate change, such as socioeconomic inequality and human rights breaches, reflecting a push for more accountability and transparency.
3. Impact Investment: Investments are increasingly made with the aim of creating positive social and environmental effects.
4. Decarbonization and "Net-Zero" Aims: Holistic approaches involve switching to renewable energy, decarbonizing supply chains, implementing pricing mechanisms, and promoting circular economy principles.
5. Advancing Sustainability Through 5G: The 5G technology impacts sustainability in various fields, including reducing commuting, promoting 'smart' cities, minimizing resource usage, and precision farming.

Expansion and Opportunity

Environmental and sustainability consulting clearly plays a pivotal role in addressing the escalating global challenges we face today. ESG regulations are expanding as are the opportunities in using data to help find the best decisions for companies to tackle environmental, social, and governance challenges. Consultants need to be on top of national and international ESG regulations as well as know how to leverage the “big-data” being generated in this field and optimally advise on operational and investment decisions that companies need to take.

Amidst these trends, it becomes imperative for consulting firms to stay abreast of compensation levels and comparisons within the environmental consulting services sector. This insight is essential for providing optimal advice and decision-making in an ever-evolving landscape.

If you are keen to delve deeper into pay scales and gain valuable insights into environmental and sustainability consulting services, we invite you to connect with Vencon Research International. Our team will provide you with valuable information to navigate the complexities of compensation in this vital industry.

By Yao Tang - Business Development

In the wake of the widely discussed "great resignation" phenomenon in the United States, a similar trend, albeit less dramatic, has been observed among our clients in Australia. In the course of discussions with HR professionals we’ve heard one theme repeat itself:

Despite not experiencing an extraordinary surge in resignations, there's a palpable sense of burnout, characterized by extreme fatigue and mental exhaustion, among workers, which has resulted in decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and resistance towards returning to the office post-COVID-19.

To delve deeper into this concerning trend, researchers from The University of Melbourne conducted a comprehensive study in 2022. Surveying 1,400 employed Australians, the study aimed to assess their well-being and work experiences two years after the onset of the pandemic. Regrettably, the findings paint a less-than-ideal picture, emphasizing the widespread symptoms of burnout among workers.

The Burnout Landscape in Australia and Beyond

Burnout is not exclusive to Australia; it's a global concern with serious implications for individuals' health, well-being, and productivity. The consulting industry, a historically demanding sector worldwide, is not immune to this challenge. Several factors contribute to burnout in this industry:

• High Workload: Consultants often grapple with demanding client projects, tight deadlines, and extended working hours, creating an intense pressure to deliver results.
• Travel Requirements: Frequent travel, a common aspect of some consulting roles, leads to physical and emotional exhaustion, posing challenges for those spending extended periods away from home and family.
• Client Expectations: The industry places high expectations on consultants to meet client demands and deliver valuable insights. Balancing these expectations with personal well-being is an ongoing challenge.
• Variability in Workload: Consulting work is inherently cyclical, with periods of intense activity followed by relative calm. This variability can result in irregular working hours and heightened stress.
• Project-Based Nature: Constant adaptation to new teams and clients, a characteristic of project-based work, can be mentally taxing for consultants.
• Remote Work Challenges: The shift towards more remote work and virtual engagements due to the COVID-19 pandemic introduces new challenges related to work-life balance and feelings of isolation.

Addressing Burnout: Solutions for Individuals and Organizations

In the Australian context the issue has been recognised by government, which has implemented various mental health initiatives and programs to address burnout and improve access to mental health care. However, consulting firms, being on the frontline of this issue, shouldn’t wait for government solutions.

Tackling burnout requires a collective effort from both individuals and organizations. Individuals are encouraged to prioritize self-care, set boundaries, manage stress, and seek support when needed. Organizations, on the other hand, play a pivotal role in promoting a healthy work environment. This includes encouraging breaks, offering flexible work arrangements, and providing mental health resources and support.

Concrete steps include:

• Workload Management: Firms can assess and manage consultants' workloads to prevent overburdening. This might involve adjusting project assignments and schedules.
• Mentorship and Support: Provide mentorship and support systems for junior consultants, helping them navigate the challenges of the industry and manage stress.
• Flexible Work Arrangements: Offer flexible work arrangements, including remote work options, to help consultants achieve a better work-life balance.
• Training and Resources: Provide training on stress management, resilience, and mental health awareness. Offer access to mental health resources and counselling services.
• Regular Feedback: Encourage regular feedback between consultants and their managers to address concerns and identify early signs of burnout.
• Promote a Healthy Culture: Foster a culture that values work-life balance, self-care, and well-being. Lead by example from the top down.
• Diverse Project Assignments: Rotate consultants through different types of projects to keep work engaging and prevent monotony.
• Mental health awareness: This should be a priority for employers and society at large, with ongoing efforts to reduce stigma and encourage open conversations about burnout. Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) can offer confidential counselling and support services to those experiencing stress and burnout.

It's worth noting that addressing burnout is not only the responsibility of consulting firms but also requires individual consultants to take proactive steps to manage their well-being and communicate their needs effectively.

Burnout in the consulting industry can be a complex issue, but with awareness and proactive measures, it is possible to mitigate its impact and promote a healthier work environment. Nevertheless, as we saw with our Australian contacts in the HR departments of consulting firms, it was their awareness, identification and concern to address the issue that lead to launching effective mitigation programmes and improvements for all concerned.

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Tailored Collaboration for Success

Vencon Research is your collaborative partner in navigating the complexities of HR management in the consulting industry. Our bespoke recommendations are crafted with your unique needs in mind, ensuring local relevance and global consistency. Contact Vencon Research today to discover HR solutions for your company's success in the global consulting arena.

References

Leah, R., Brendan, C., &David, B. (2023, March 19). The 'great resignation' didn't happen in Australia, but the 'great burnout' did. Find an Expert.unimelb.edu.au. https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/news/63392-the-'great-resignation'-didn't-happen-in-australia--but-the-'great-burnout'-did

Sarah, S. (2023, April 14). The Great Burnout: Exhausted Aussie workers forced into ‘quiet quitting’ and resignations. News.com.au. https://www.news.com.au/finance/work/at-work/the-great-burnout-exhausted-aussie-workers-forced-into-quiet-quitting-and-resignations/news-story/21a83bd5cd14458306469423f10d4585

Steve, H, Tim, C., &Mackenzi, G. (2023, May 4). Seven strategies to avoid employee burnout Prioritizing employee well-being in the workplace. Deloitte. Com https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/blog/human-capital-blog/2023/how-to-avoid-employee-burnout.html