I cannot understand how consultancies out there can actually justify working their consultants such long hours. I'm the MD of a small strategy firm, and my five consultants start work at 8am and leave by the latest 5pm. I do not allow them to work longer hours because I'm a firm believer that a refreshed mind and body help make a successful consultant. And the last thing I want on the minds of my consultants are family problems because of excessive work hours.

Are there any job within your firm?

Not at the moment. Being small and respecting my employees work-life balance has its drawbacks, such as refusing to take on contracts that will make my consultants work until 10pm. But nonetheless, we're still very comfortable with our profitability.