In an industry where headhunting is the norm, especially from boutique consulting firms, it’s rare to find a consulting firm where employees simply don’t want to leave. Yet, some firms defy the high turnover and burnout trends typically associated with consulting.

As part of our series, “Unlocking Opportunities Beyond Management Consulting—Insights from SA’s Talent Acquisition Experts,” we explore strategies for identifying and seizing ideal exit opportunities from consulting and determining the right time to make such a transition. During my research, I encountered a boutique consulting firm that stands out for its remarkable ability to retain highly sought-after talent. This firm’s approach to retention left me both intrigued and impressed.

I recently spoke with the HR manager of this firm, who has a headcount of about 150 employees, and her insights shed light on why so many of their employees choose to stay. When I asked what has made their company so successful at keeping highly marketable individuals, her response was refreshingly straightforward: hard work, no micromanagement, flexibility, and the freedom to solve their own problems.

Despite multiple attempts to recruit talent from firms like this, the staff remain fiercely loyal and energised by their work environment. It’s a rare feat in consulting, but these boutique firms have clearly found a formula that works.

The question that naturally arises is: What is the secret to their incredible retention?

The company boasts a young workforce, with the average employee age sitting at around 30. The firm is founder-led, and while the founders are engaged in shaping the strategic direction, they don’t interfere in the day-to-day workings of the business. This hands-off approach signals trust in their employees, allowing them the autonomy to manage their work and take ownership of their projects. The employees are trusted to deliver, which fosters an environment where they feel empowered rather than stifled by constant oversight.

Another key factor is the company’s flexibility in promotions. There’s no rigid promotion cycle that employees must wait for. If someone performs well, they’re promoted when the time is right, creating a sense of real-time reward for hard work. Coupled with leadership’s openness to change and feedback, employees feel seen and valued, a rare commodity in larger, more bureaucratic firms.

Beyond the structural benefits, the company culture plays a significant role in retention. Employees work closely together, forming tight-knit teams that support each other through challenges. There’s a clear “work hard, play hard” mentality, where collaboration is paramount, and no one hesitates to jump in and help their peers. The firm has cultivated a strong team dynamic that fosters a sense of camaraderie, which is crucial in an environment as demanding as consulting.

One of the most compelling aspects of this boutique firm’s success is the type of work they do. As specialists in extreme data science, their projects are intellectually stimulating and cutting-edge. Employees are constantly challenged, which keeps their work interesting and their skillsets sharp. The firm also invests heavily in staying up-to-date with the latest industry trends, ensuring its consultants are always at the forefront of new developments.

For younger employees, the ability to work independently without the restrictive frameworks found in larger firms is a significant draw. As an example here, recent Analyst hires do more than just work in Excel all day. While help is available when needed, employees are given the freedom to manage their tasks autonomously. Consultants in bigger firms rarely experience this level of independence, where structured delivery processes often stifle creative problem-solving. Here, the opportunity for growth is immense, and it’s clear that leadership is invested in not only the success of the firm but also the individual career growth of each employee.

The founders themselves are in their 50s, but they bring energy and passion that trickles down to the entire company. Their willingness to give and receive feedback and their genuine interest in the well-being of their employees create an environment where people feel appreciated. It’s clear that the founders care deeply about maintaining a workplace that’s not only high-performing but also personally fulfilling for the staff.

It’s rare to come across consulting firms where employees are truly happy, but this boutique firm has cracked the code. They’ve shown that it’s possible to build a consulting company that balances challenging work with an empowering and supportive environment.

As more consultants begin to seek exit opportunities from the traditional consulting path, it’s firms like these that stand out as potential havens for top talent. They’ve demonstrated that it’s possible to thrive in consulting without burnout, proving that there are consulting firms out there that genuinely look after their people.

In today’s shifting landscape, where many are reconsidering their career trajectories, it’s firms like this that remind us that consulting doesn’t have to be synonymous with overwork, stress, and high turnover. Sometimes, the right fit makes all the difference.