What Do You Do with “Bench Time” in Professional Services?

In a professional services firm, having team members “on the bench” between projects is inevitable. But it doesn’t have to be unproductive time. In fact, it can be an opportunity to strengthen your organization.

Here are some ways to make the most of bench time:


✅ Sharpen the Saw – Encourage team members to upskill with training, certifications, or cross-training in new areas. A more versatile team makes for a stronger firm.


✅Optimize from Within – Use this time to refine internal processes, document best practices, or update SOPs. Future projects will thank you!


✅Support Business Development – Have team members contribute to thought leadership through blogs, webinars, or industry research. They can also assist sales teams by refining proposals or case studies.


✅Strengthen Client Relationships – Idle time is a great time to proactively check in with clients, offer value-added insights, or explore ways to expand existing engagements.


✅Innovate – Whether it’s improving proprietary tools, testing new methodologies, or brainstorming new service offerings, downtime can be a launchpad for fresh ideas.

Bench time doesn’t have to mean wasted time. It’s an opportunity to invest in your team and your business.

We would love to hear your thoughts at Hello@yourpeas.com