The Big Four consulting firms – Deloitte, PWC, EY, and KPMG – have recently advised their employees to scale back on work-related travel as part of efforts to reduce costs and minimize their environmental impact. Sources familiar with the matter report that the firms are urging their staff to hold meetings virtually whenever possible, including client visits, and to limit travel to essential trips only.
For situations where travel is unavoidable, the firms are encouraging employees to use more sustainable forms of transportation, such as trains, instead of flying. These guidelines, which have been issued in the past two to three months, are part of a broader push towards sustainability and cost-cutting.
One example cited by a source involved a major global client in Japan, where the usual practice would have seen two partners and four employees travel. However, the firm decided that one partner could make the trip, while the rest of the team could join meetings remotely. This move underscores the Big Four’s commitment to reducing travel when possible.
A partner in one of the firms, who holds a senior position and is a key decision-maker, noted that work-related travel is a significant cost for these companies. However, it is also deemed necessary to foster strong client relationships. For internal meetings, the firms are increasingly opting for virtual solutions to save both money and time.
In another instance, a Big Four firm recently held an internal event near Delhi. While employees from Mumbai and Bengaluru were allowed to fly, Delhi-based staff were encouraged to travel by train instead, reinforcing the shift towards more sustainable travel options.
The decision to minimize travel also aligns with the firms’ environmental goals. Many of the Big Four are now emphasizing their commitment to net-zero emissions, with reducing business travel seen as a key component of these efforts. Asha Ramanathan, Chief Operating Officer at PwC India, explained, “Through our net-zero programme, we encourage our people to make conscious and greener choices, whether that means virtual collaboration, using inter-city rail travel over flights, or choosing electric vehicles over traditional fuel-driven cabs.”
While the push for reduced travel is largely supported, not all senior executives are on board with the shift to more virtual meetings. A partner from one of the firms expressed concerns that in-person meetings are vital for building long-term relationships with clients. “Spending more time with clients in person significantly enhances the chances of establishing a lasting partnership,” the partner said, acknowledging that while some trips might not have direct commercial value, they play a crucial role in cultivating human connections.
This change comes on the heels of Deloitte’s decision last year to offer early retirement packages to 35 senior partners as part of an organizational overhaul. The company provided a “golden handshake” to some members of its senior leadership team across various sectors, including audit, consulting, and advisory services.