Optimizing Consultant Performance
Enhance leadership effectiveness, reduce consultant burnout, and improve client outcomes with tailored training and performance solutions designed for management consulting firms.
Industry Challenges
The management consulting industry is experiencing significant shifts due to evolving market dynamics, technological advancements, and changing workforce expectations. Firms must address challenges such as adapting to new technologies, managing workforce utilization, and meeting client demands to remain competitive. Here’s a closer look at these challenges—and the hidden costs of not addressing them:
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Talent
Retention
Consulting firms struggle to attract and retain top talent, particularly among younger professionals. High workloads, burnout, and increasing competition from other industries make it difficult to maintain a sustainable workforce.
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Cost Impact: Recruiting and training a new consultant can cost 3x their salary. High turnover results in increased hiring costs and lost institutional knowledge.
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Time Impact: Replacing a departing consultant can take 6–12 weeks, causing project delays and additional strain on remaining employees.
2
Addressing
Burnout
Economic fluctuations create instability in workforce demand, leaving consultants either underutilized or overworked. Many firms struggle to strike the right balance between staffing levels and long-term employee well-being.
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Cost Impact: Burnout-related turnover costs firms $20K–$50K per consultant, while underutilization leads to lost revenue opportunities.
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Time Impact: High consultant churn requires additional recruitment and training efforts, taking 3–6 months to fully onboard replacements. opportunities. continuity.
3
Evolving Work Models
Changing work models has disrupted collaboration, mentorship, and work quality. Firms must keep employees engaged, productive, and connected while maintaining strong client relationships.
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Cost Impact: Poorly managed work models can lead to a 10–20% drop in consultant productivity, costing firms millions in lost billable hours annually.
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Time Impact: Employees who struggle with in-person and remote work may take longer to complete projects, increasing inefficiencies across teams.​
How ESM Helps
We create custom onboarding, leadership development, and wellness programs to enhance engagement, and improve retention. Our approach saves firms $50K–$100K in turnover costs.
How ESM Helps
We implement performance management strategies that optimize workforce utilization and provide wellness programs to support employee well-being, reducing burnout and turnover.
How ESM Helps
We provide training and consulting on best work practices, equipping firms with tools to enhance virtual collaboration, maintain engagement, and preserve the mentorship culture essential for long-term success.
Client Success Story
As the world's first and foremost reinvention company, Jackman Reinvents helps businesses navigate complex transformations. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic forced mandatory office closures, their own team faced unexpected challenges. Employees struggled to keep up with work demands, adjust to remote work, and manage stress related to health and uncertainty. To maintain high performance and engagement during this disruptive period, Jackman sought proactive, data-driven strategies to support employee well-being and productivity.
"ESM’s support came at a critical time for us—shortly after the start of mandatory office closures. Their data-driven approach enabled tailored support to help navigate stress during an unprecedented time of change. This was highly valuable for Jackman and is highly recommended for any organization aiming to maintain a pulse on their most valuable asset – their people."
- VP, People & Operations, Jackman Reinvents
Our Approach
1. Weekly Performance Pulses to Identify Challenges
To gain real-time insights into employee stressors, ESM conducted weekly Performance Pulses that assessed workplace productivity and well-being. Results showed that while 50% of employees faced performance challenges due to remote work adjustments and uncertainty, 75% still reported feeling happy and productive—indicating an opportunity to reinforce resilience.
2. Tailored Training for Resilience and Engagement
Using insights from Performance Pulses, ESM delivered weekly performance training focused on managing performance through mental and physical fitness. These sessions equipped employees with strategies to cope with stress, stay motivated, and maintain high performance despite prolonged uncertainty.
3. Facilitating Connection and Collective Problem-Solving
In addition to structured training, sessions included reflection and discussion time, allowing employees to share success stories, collaborate on solutions, and reinforce team cohesion—critical elements in navigating change together.g healthcare-focused tools and features.
The Results
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Stronger Employee Resilience – Employees developed practical coping strategies to manage stress and maintain peak performance.
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High Engagement Despite Challenges – Despite widespread uncertainty, 75% of employees remained happy and productive, showcasing the effectiveness of targeted interventions.
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Sustained Performance in a Changing Work Environment – Jackman successfully supported employees through change while ensuring continued business impact.
