The 2020 Best Firms to Work For: Boston Consulting Group

Consulting Service Lines: Virtually All

When it comes to consistent greatness over time, few can hold a candle Boston Consulting Group's history on our Best Firms to Work For list. Since we debuted our rankings in 2001, Boston Consulting Group has made the list every year, this year marking its 20th consecutive appearance. Not only that, 2020 makes seven years in a row that Boston Consulting Group has been ranked #1. It is a feat that will be difficult to match, to say the least.

Even for a firm with the size and global name recognition of Boston Consulting Group, the pandemic represented an inflection point.

"At BCG, we continually challenge established thinking and generate new ideas that re-shape our own business and our clients' businesses. This requires that our firm hire highly talented and diverse people who feel empowered to bring their own unique perspectives and sets of experiences to the firm," says Joseph C. Davis, BCG Chairman, North America.

"BCG employees expect a culture that embraces and encourages flexibility and balance, so that they can bring their whole selves to work, while having a fulfilling home life. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has heightened the need for this inclusive and flexible culture."

This flexibility entailed providing its workforce with the tools and support they needed as they transitioned from an office environment to a remote work environment, including additional time off and a stipend so employees could outfit their home offices.

Through the crisis, BCG endeavored to maintain as much continuity as possible. The firm renewed its commitment to invest in its people, continuing training, mentorship, and apprenticeship programs. It's also actively working on devising new and creative ways, optimized for a remote environment, to engage new recruits and employees.

"We continued to grow our team, honored all job offers, continued promotions and bonuses as usual, and had an exceptional summer internship program," Davis says.

"Above all, our team spirit – deeply rooted in our values and purpose – combined with confidence in our ability to make a difference is central to all that we do. Each BCG employee brings unique strengths and experiences to the table that enhance the vitality of our business."

A frequent complaint we hear about working in a large firm is feeling like a cog in a machine where individual efforts go unnoticed. BCG is not only aware of this, but actively works to counteract it, ensuring all employees see the effect of their contributions. Davis says it's one of the many things that sets BCG apart from its peers.

"Our success is due in large part to how we work with our clients — aligned, integrated, and across all aspects of the business. Our collaborative approach with clients is institutional and continually reinforced. It allows us to help individuals shine within their organization, build capabilities across the organization from within, and enable changes that last," says Davis.

Ask what this unprecedented streak of appearances on our Best Firms to Work For list means to the firm, its employees, and its clients, Davis said he views it as an opportunity, both to celebrate what's working and to learn from others in the industry.

"BCG is honored to be recognized as the #1 Best Firm to Work For for the 7th consecutive year. It helps signal to recruits, clients, industry partners, and the communities where we live and work that our client work and our unique culture are central to everything we do," says Davis.

"It's clear that every distinguished firm on this list shares a commitment to both delivering value for our clients, and to becoming exceptional workplaces that develop great people."

Consulting: What's the top priority over the next 6 to 12 months?

Davis: "In this historic moment, the number one challenge companies are facing is transformation – whether it's about transforming from good to great, to come out of this crisis a winner, or about making some tough calls in order to survive. We have exceptional transformation capabilities, and we are well-positioned to deliver massive value creation for our clients. Our clients trust us to come up with solutions to their toughest problems, and I am excited by all the great work we are doing to alleviate some of the challenges wrought by the pandemic. Over the next year or so, we will continue to study what the future of work will look like, and we will be focused on reducing our (and our clients') climate footprint – furthering our commitment to become carbon neutral by 2030."