What's the Work-Life Balance Like at Heidrick & Struggles in Chicago?

Key Insight for Candidates

• Supportive Culture: Colleagues in Chicago are often described as smart, collaborative, and willing to mentor, creating a strong learning environment. Feedback suggests some local teams are caring and helpful, which makes the pace more sustainable when work is steady.
• Meaningful Work: Work in Chicago offers direct client exposure and clear opportunities for career development that many find professionally rewarding. Feedback suggests the learning curve is steep but valuable, especially early in one’s career.
• Wellbeing Programs: Employees in Chicago have access to generous PTO, inclusive parental leave, and mental health resources such as an EAP and a 24/7 support platform. These programs signal an intent to support long‑term wellbeing even during busier periods.

• Workload or Staffing: In Chicago, core executive search work is described as demanding, with long hours and frequent surges to meet client expectations. Feedback suggests the intensity is especially pronounced for junior and project-management roles tied closely to partner demands.
• Barriers to Time Off: People in Chicago report that work often spills into vacations and personal time, making it hard to use PTO as intended. This leaves limited real downtime despite formal leave policies.
• Always-On Culture: Chicago teams can face expectations of responsiveness outside standard hours, including weekend work and after-hours calls during busy searches. The urgency of client needs contributes to blurred boundaries.