bench-management
Installation
SKILL.md
Bench Management
Understanding the Bench
In consulting, the bench refers to consultants not currently billable to client engagements. Understanding bench dynamics is critical to firm profitability and consultant development.
Why the Bench Matters:
- Cost center vs. investment: Unbilled time represents costs, but bench periods enable upskilling, business development, and proposal work
- Firm health indicator: Bench size reflects pipeline strength and staffing balance
- Career development: Strategic bench time supports training, certifications, and skill expansion
Healthy Bench Targets by Firm:
- Steady state: 5-10% of total consultant capacity
- Growth phases: 10-15% acceptable to support new hires and bench activities
- Stress: >15% indicates pipeline weakness or overstaffing