Consultants are known for their long hours and challenging work-life balance. But just how many hours do they work per week? According to research, the average consultant works 56.6 hours per week, with a quarter of single consultants routinely working between 60 and 70 hours. Male consultants in positions of responsibility work even longer, averaging 9.9 to 12.4 hours per week. The longest hours are typically worked at strategy consulting firms, where the weekly average is 60 hours.
On the other hand, millennial management consultants tend to work as little as 50 hours a week. The EU shows that 77% of consultants at the top of the market work more than their contracted hours. The typical length of time a consultant works at a major firm is 2 to 4 years, and some statistics even show that 2.7 years is the average point at which a consultant leaves a major company such as McKinsey, BCG and Bain. Over the past decade, consultancies have implemented policies that give consultants the space to take time off work to relax and recharge.
Some consultancies and field offices have encouraged teams to implement a “one night a week off” policy that allows consultants time for personal interests or to rest. Data also reveals that consultants with a longer tenure in a company work fewer overtime on average, highlighting the investments that consultants often need to familiarize themselves with a new environment. This suggests that while consultants may be working long hours initially, they eventually settle into a more manageable schedule. So if you're considering becoming a consultant, it's important to understand that you'll likely be working long hours in the beginning. However, with the right policies in place and an understanding of your workload, you can eventually find a balance between your professional and personal life.
