Which Big 4 Company Has The Best Work-Life Balance

Work-life balance matters a lot in a job. The Big Four firms (Deloitte, PwC, Ernst & Young, and KPMG) all have great initiatives in place to maintain it. But, before deciding on any, you might be curious to know which one is the absolute best in this regard! But which Big 4 company has the best work-life balance?

Balancing work responsibilities and personal life is definitely challenging in all the Big Four firms. The tight deadlines and pace of work here create intense situations that might not be everyone’s cup of tea!

According to my research, these Big Four firms have the best work-life balance in this order:

KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler)
Deloitte
EY (Ernst & Young)
PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

In today’s read, I’ll explore:

Which Big Four has the best work-life balance (Ranked from 1 to 4)?
All the aspects that make each of these firms unique and differentiate their tactics in creating a positive work environment.

1. KPMG (Klynveld Peat Marwick Goerdeler)

Although being the smallest of the Big 4 firms, KPMG, hands down, takes the crown for being the leader in work-life balance. What makes it truly capable of achieving this feat is its 52 weeks (364 days) of maternity leave. (Source)

Moving ahead, it lets you shape your work experience according to your preferences in three different work styles (Hybrid, fully remote, or office-based). Most newstarters in consultancy choose to work here according to a hybrid style to balance client, partner, and employee experience. (Source)

The company also offers WageWorks Mass Transit Program. This initiative allows you to enjoy pre-tax payroll deductions, which helps you save on transit and vanpool expenses.

You have the flexibility to elect up to $270 a month to be deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis. (Source)

A consultant currently working at KPMG and previously worked at Deloitte wrote on Glassdoor: “As a consultant who transitioned from Deloitte to KPMG, I am happy to affirm that KPMG stands out as an exemplary workplace when it comes to tackling work-life balance. Their programs are great, and I never felt uneasy in my job for even a minute.” (Source)

Interestingly, the firm puts in effort to enhance your lifestyle, too. It has made special agreements with various companies and organizations so that you can add luxury to your life at a discounted price. Here are a few examples of those companies:

BMW & Mini
Chrysler, Dodge, and Jeep
Ford X-Plan
Jaguar Land Rover
From You Flowers
Master & Dynamic
Whirlpool Corporation
Equinox
Global Fit and many more.

(Source)

All these factors have convinced me that KPMG takes the top spot when it comes to work-life balance among the Big Four.

2. Deloitte

The second on my list is Deloitte for having an ideal work-life balance. Out of a number of programs here, the Paid Time Off (PTO) definitely deserves a round of applause.

Why? Unlike other Big Four firms, Deloitte has a rule that allows you to carry over any unused days. (Source)

This firm gives up to 6 months (180 days) of maternity leave to make life easier for new mothers and babies, too. (Source)

Here’s a glimpse of a few additional benefits that Deloitte offers you happily:

The Before-tax Transportation Program lets you save big on parking or commuting costs.
The Wealth Accumulation Program features 401(k) savings and a cash balance plan to sort your life after retirement.
Deloitte’s in-house team of clinical and performance psychologists helps you stay mentally fit and offer continuous well-being support. (Source)

There’s another amazing thing that you can’t overlook! If you feel like taking a much-needed long break, Deloitte has got you covered with two well-structured sabbatical plans. Check these out:

1. One-Month Sabbatical

You can take a whole month off for any reason whatsoever, and the firm will ask no questions.

2. Three to Six-Month Sabbatical

Here’s something even better! You can take a longer break of three to six months and use this time for personal or professional growth (Like developing your career or doing some volunteer work).

And guess what? Even while you’re on this break, you’ll still get 40% of your regular salary. (Source)

3. EY (Ernst & Young)

EY has some special programs to make work-life balance seem like a breeze. But these aren’t quite on par with what KPMG and Deloitte have to offer.

To start things off, EY goes the extra mile to show that it cares about your fitness and well-being. It reimburses you 75% of the cost of fitness things you buy (Like gym memberships, exercise equipment, ergonomic home office furniture, and more). (Source)

On the other hand, the firm brings to you a solid initiative called “EY@Work.” It’s all about breaking free from the traditional. You get collaborative spaces, comfy ergonomic furniture, and cutting-edge tech (Like instant messaging, conferences, and video chats).

The firm believes in making you feel at home! (Source)

Having said that, EY makes sure that you get top-notch support in navigating life’s ups and downs. Here’s what it offers:

You get up to 25 free visits per year with a licensed mental health clinician (In person, over the phone, or via web video sessions).
16 weeks (112 days) of maternity leave. (Source)

Whether it’s marriage, divorce, or starting a family, EY makes these big life changes a bit smoother. (Source)

So, it’s not just about work; You matter to EY. That’s why it’s one of the top contenders among the mighty Big Four in tackling work-life balance in a perfect way!

4. PwC (PricewaterhouseCoopers)

For 19 years now, PwC has consistently secured a place on Fortune’s prestigious list of the 100 Best Companies to Work For. It was a tough competition, but it’s last on my list for handling work-life balance. (Source)

In 2013, PwC went a notch ahead and launched a great initiative called “flex+.” It offers a set of flexible work policies that give due importance to other aspects of your lives apart from work (Such as pursuing hobbies or spending moments with your loved ones). (Source)

Within the program, there’s “flexFriday,” which allows you to leave work at 12:30 p.m. every second Friday of the month. You can also choose to wear simple attire when you’re not meeting the clients.

There’s more! PwC takes very good care of new parents. That’s why it offers an extended maternity leave of 90 days.

As a working mother, you have the flexibility to choose a shorter initial leave and use the remaining days anytime during the first year of your newborn’s life.

On the other hand, if you’re a father of a newborn, you’ll receive 30 days of paternity leave (With the same option as the mothers get).

There’s another relaxing opportunity that you get with the “Rest & Refresh” initiative (Started in 2016). In this, the entire company closes down for a week or more at the end of the year to give you a well-deserved break. (Source)