A balanced approach to work needs to be fostered by senior managemnet and passed on to staff through example
Pros
Ernst & Young provides the opportunity for junior staff to be able to have access to many different kinds of clients, and to be cross trained in many areas. They are exposed to different management styles through working with different clients and EY managers. The professional growth that may be experienced in a relatively short period would have to be difficult to match in commerce. This is matched by the training oportunities that are made available to staff, both internal and external to EY, to enable them to complement on the job training with further education. EY also provides good benefits to its staff
Cons
In some departments there is a one size fits all mentality. Unfortunately there seems to be an opinion among some partners that if you do not have the right degree from the right university then your intelligence and your prospects are limited (this comment is limited to the Middle East). There is also a serious lack of the concept of a work life balance, with an assumption being made that work takes precedent over all else. Unfortunately this attitude has infiltrated the ranks, and is even deeply embedded in the attitude of staff at all levels, from partner to junior consultants.