Bench management from a Resource Manager’s perspective

Do you remember the previous article describing the role of a Resource Manager at Sii? If not, start there (PL: Rola Resource Managera w procesie rekrutacji… i nie tylko), before diving into this one. If you do, you might recall my mentioning that working in this position feels like a “mission of a good spirit,” taking care of the broad well-being of team members.

After four (!) years in this role, numerous successful recruitments, memorable team-building events, and a few minor (and major) failures, I still stand by that statement. I hope my team agrees with me (shout-out to the Salesforce Competency Center team! 😊).

Although the role of a Resource Manager offers many advantages, it also presents unique challenges. Opposite the excitement of new projects, recruitment, team growth, professional development, and fun stands one daunting challenge – the bench. What exactly is it, and does it cast a shadow over the daily work of a Resource Manager (RM)?

The bench – rules of the game

The bench – a term you likely associate with football. During a match, the team plays with its starting lineup while other members sit on the sidelines, ready to substitute when needed. Similarly, at Sii, not every employee is always actively engaged in a project. Sometimes, they’re waiting for their turn to join the “game.”

Who will join the game?

There are two main ways someone might end up on the bench:

1. Joining Sii: You’re a top-notch specialist with high-level skills, fair financial expectations, and a great personality (#siispirit). Even if we’re not recruiting for a specific project, we want you on our team. In this case, you join Sii “on the bench” and wait for the opportunity to join a suitable project.
2. Project completion: Your project ends for various reasons — lack of budget, schedule changes, or simply because it was completed as planned. Sii may not immediately have a new project for you. Instead of a seamless transfer, you may need to wait for the next opportunity, especially when the “transfer window” is closed 😉

As you can see, having people on the bench is sometimes necessary! Often, it’s thanks to these team members that Resource Managers can quickly respond to client demands and provide them with the right specialist ASAP. Remember, Resource Managers handle the impossible on the spot!

Now, let’s look at how we manage the bench in case number two. Case one is an investment in the company’s growth and is usually easier to manage because it’s planned in advance.

Strategy

It’s no secret that the IT industry has slowed down recently. You’ve likely noticed that your LinkedIn inbox isn’t as busy as it used to be, and job ads no longer pop up everywhere. Recruitment processes are longer, often lasting weeks instead of days, and they don’t always end with a job offer — even for highly skilled professionals.

This is because companies are investing less, focusing on stabilization, and, in some cases, simply trying to “survive safely.” The result? Fewer job openings for IT specialists.

According to Jooble, job offers in the IT industry in Q2 2024 were 20% lower than in Q1. Additionally, some major global players have made reductions – over 120,000 IT specialists lost their jobs in the first half of 2024.

This cautious approach impacts not only hiring but also the number of “players” on the bench.

This is where a well-crafted strategy and tailored tactical actions become critical to steering the team in the right direction 😊

What’s the plan?

Two of Sii’s five strategic goals are profitability and employee satisfaction. How do you balance these when the bench is overflowing and the game schedule remains uncertain?

The Resource Manager faces a challenging decision:

• Follow their HR heart, support “their people,” and do everything possible to find them assignments, keeping employment as stable as possible.
• Take a cooler, business-oriented approach, prioritizing the company’s overall interests over individual needs.

The answer? It depends 😊 It’s influenced by factors like:

• The company’s overall condition.
• The situation within a specific business unit (e.g., branch, competency center) — financial results, the number of people without projects, and upcoming project endings.
• Future prospects (potential new clients or expanded collaboration with current ones).

One of the most crucial factors, in my opinion, is the individual assessment of the person on the bench — their past performance, technical skills, engagement, motivation, and attitude toward the situation. Surprisingly, you can significantly influence what happens next!

You’re on the bench — what now?

First and foremost, strategy matters. Your manager wants to find you a project quickly — it’s about ensuring work continuity and controlling costs. At Sii, the Resource Manager oversees resource and bench management.

What tactical steps do they take to get you back in the game?

1. Finding spots in ongoing projects: Checking if anyone is overwhelmed and could use support.
2. Responding to client and PM signals: Engaging new team members based on specific project needs.
3. Creating new business opportunities: Collaborating with the Sales Department to promote your skills. Sometimes, sending your CV to a client without a current need can spark interest and lead to a new project. Yes, it happens! 😊
4. Using internal tools: If no opportunities arise in your department, leverage company-wide resources, such as the Job Changer application.

Even the best coach needs team support

If you’re on the bench, it’s not the end of the world. The question is: how will you play the first half and the whole game? The worst thing you can do is nothing. That wastes time for both you and your employer.

Since success is a team effort, how can you contribute to finding your next project for yourself and the company?

• Be proactive in learning: If your skills don’t perfectly match current trends, use the bench time wisely. Talk to your manager and colleagues, identify what’s in demand, and upskill through training, certifications, and mentorships. Show your Resource Manager that you’re ready to be promoted as a top choice.
• Take initiative: Don’t wait for someone to figure out what’s next for you. Be proactive in shaping your role and demonstrating how your skills can be used.
• Get involved in internal projects: If you spot recurring patterns in past projects, propose reusable components that could enhance future offerings.
• Share your expertise: Use the downtime to run webinars, internal training sessions, or develop best practices. Even if you’re not currently generating revenue for the company, your efforts can add long-term value.
• Support sales efforts: Even highly technical specialists can help sales teams by creating compelling technical content for proposals or initial project estimates. Who knows? Your contribution might lead to landing a new client and project.

Transfer

Sometimes, despite best efforts, happy endings aren’t possible. There are occasions when we hand out a “red card” or mutually decide to part ways. These moves can be necessary to maintain morale and financial stability for both sides.

Conclusion

The ball is round, and there are two goals! 😊 In my words, anything can happen while you’re on the bench. There are many opportunities, and it’s essential not to remain idle. Open collaboration between the person on the bench and the Resource Manager is key to scoring together — winning not only the match but also the project! 🏆

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If you are interested in topics related to career paths in IT, be sure to also take a look at other articles by our experts.