RGP Employee Reviews about "bench time"

Pros

- Time off between assignments allows for work/life balance; if you are winding down your career, and can be flexible about low(er) or erratic comp, this could be a perfect option - Good clients; great bonds with other consultants and client employees - Consultants have a say in where they will travel and how many hours they are willing to work (OT or none). Part time is possible, but not likely. - Don't need to take the politics home with you; work hard, go home, don't think about it until morning - Satisfying feeling being able to make a positive difference/help clients - Client service managers stay in touch, bring lunch, and are generally a nice and supportive group of people

Cons

- Long (count on 6-8 weeks or more) unpaid down time between assignments; if you need a steady revenue stream, this isn't for you - leadership/senior mgmt. is poor; constant changes in direction and focus, they can't seem to settle on an identity or a business model. The latest "human" thing, regardless of what you think of it, was played out, several other companies came to market sooner i.e. bank human Forget the gimmicks. Attract and pay talented, high integrity people across the firm, hold everyone to results. - seems like a huge, multi layered and ever changing back office team(s) - expense base too large for revenues - massive margins asked of clients (required by last point) generate ill will with consultants who are delivering the revenues and making less than half of bill rates. Clients pass on assignments due to high bill rates, leads to missed opportunities and bench time for Consultants.

Pros

You can chose your engagement and work less or more depending on the length. There is a lot of pressure to take certain projects, usually the longer more profitable ones. You can take time off between projects “bench time “ There are benefits if you qualify and meet 500 hours.

Cons

The jobs are temp jobs. It’s not consulting. The place is an agency , barely a company. No communication from operations. No support. Hard to get a reply to emails or phone calls. No support at client, even if there are issues. Sometimes pressure to take jobs not in your area. They heavily invest in brand messaging and promises but that’s all it is. Ops don’t act like they care about consultants, even can be rude. Even though consultants drive revenue and their salaries are paid off our backs. Bench time is unpredictable. Benefits are not easy to keep because of the change in hours and bench time. Pay is ok.

Pros

Key advantage is flexibility. Vacation benefits are average, but it's a good option if you want the ability to take time off without pay as most clients are willing to allow additional time-off on a long-term assignment.

Cons

Long bench time Variability in number of opportunities based on location Successful consultants take short-term assignments and convert into long term engagements, but don't expect any salary increases or bonuses for revenue generated beyond initial engagement period, only small bonuses for referrals.

Pros

The people are very supportive across all departments. In 8 years I've never had any lack of support and encouragement from the receptionists all the way to the CEO. Absolutely great teamwork!!!

Cons

Excessive bench time. Depending on the practice, it can be 6-12 months!

Pros

Great on boarding and looking out for consultants. HR solid work

Cons

Could communicate Better and Very long bench time and No Idea what is happening behind the scenes therefore felt the need to use other consultant org

Pros

Wages are decent; company provides overtime, 401K, vacation and other benefits; consultants are very well qualified and experienced and generally pleasant to work with. Recruiting managers work hard to get you on a project. You are free to pick and choose which projects you'll take.

Cons

RGP calls itself a consulting company when in fact, it is really a high class, expensive staffing firm. Real consulting projects are few and far between; most consist of low level accounting work (month-end close, account reconciliations, etc.) Billing rates are 2.5 times the hourly rate paid to consultants. You can go years without a raise. Recruiting managers will discuss possible projects with you but if, for whatever reason, they don't materialize, the recruiters hardly ever loop back around to let you know what happened. Bench time can be very long especially if you're selective about the kinds of projects you will take. Because of unpaid bench time, this business model is not really very well suited to those who need a steady pay check.

Pros

Great consultants who go above and beyond

Cons

Too much bench time. Recent pronouncement about bench time "Hard to compute" Pure BS!! No communication Short-sighted CSD's who play it safe 33% of assignments are beginner type; 33% are intermediate and 33 % are expert-much like rating of ski slopes. God help you if you are assigned to the beginner type assignment. Horrible.