Some of these include whenever possible:

• Engagement orientation for new members of the team to integrate them into the team and acquaint them with the city and client site
• Engagement leader "office hours" when leaders are available for consultation and problem-solving
• Freedom from voice mail and e-mail on weekends and vacations is possible when the team covers client needs and expectations together
• Life balance operating agreements with each team member, with the goal of working out potential work-life conflicts in advance
• Team calendars so that all team members are aware of each other's schedules as well as team meetings, project milestones and other important time-sensitive features of the engagement
• Team recognition events and social outings to build team morale and cohesiveness
• 3-4-5 travel schedule: Many of our consultants travel to work at the client site. Recognizing the importance of our employees' home lives, particularly on long-term engagements, our engagement leaders try whenever possible to offer a 3-4-5 travel schedule.
  • 3 nights away from home (typically Monday-Wednesday)
  • 4 days at the client site
  • 5 days of work (with the fifth day in the home city office or at home)

Many engagements stagger the schedule so that there is five day a week on-site coverage (so some people are there Monday-Thursday and others Tuesday-Friday). The 5th day also allows staff to dedicate time to training, diversity initiatives, recruiting and other non-client work as client work permits.