Human resources consultants work under pleasant conditions in modern offices. About 33 percent of management consultants work more than 40 hours per week, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Self-employed HR consultants can set their own hours, but they do not receive the excellent fringe benefits offered by large companies and consulting firms.
Some of the most challenging aspects of this career may involve firing people, taking disciplinary actions, or handling employee disputes. On the other hand, many HR consultants say that they enjoy this specialty because it allows them to make a difference in the lives of workers (by improving compensation and benefits plans, launching diversity initiatives, etc.).
In 2020, Vault.com ranked the following HR consulting firms (in descending order) as the best in terms of prestige and a good work environment: Deloitte Consulting LLP, Mercer LLC, Aon Hewitt, Willis Towers Watson, and McKinsey & Company.
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