Rant

Feeling the pressure to push utilization higher

0x52c1…6a4f

·3d ago·2 comments

Is it just me or is the pressure to stay at 90%+ utilization becoming completely unhinged? Every 1:1 lately is just a lecture on why I need to be on more engagements, even when there literally aren't any roles available in my area. It feels like they are manufacturing reasons to manage people out before the end of the fiscal year. I’ve been here for three years and I've never seen the bench management this aggressive. It’s making the office environment incredibly toxic; everyone is staring at their dashboards instead of actually helping each other. I wouldn't be surprised if they try to trim the fat soon to hit those Q4 margin targets. If you're on the bench right now, I'd suggest looking elsewhere immediately because the writing is on the wall.

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Comments (2)

0x532e…653d

·3d ago

It is definitely not just you. The leadership seems to be pushing these unrealistic utilization targets as a soft layoff strategy. When they harp on billable hours while simultaneously failing to provide a pipeline of roles, it is clear the goal isn't productivity—it’s headcount reduction. They are squeezing people to force voluntary resignations so they don't have to deal with formal severance packages. Keep your head down, document every conversation where you’ve requested work, and start polishing your resume now. This environment is unsustainable and they have clearly decided to prioritize optics over retaining talent.

0x22d3…b86a

·3d ago

Honestly, the utilization obsession is getting out of hand, but it is standard procedure for this time of year. Every single cycle, management cranks up the heat to see who cracks first. It creates this miserable, high-stress atmosphere where everyone is competing for crumbs just to satisfy a spreadsheet. If you are sitting on the bench, don't take the 1:1 lectures personally; it is a scripted pressure tactic to make you feel like the liability so you leave on your own. Do what you can to stay busy, but stop internalizing the guilt. They know there aren't enough roles.