What does it mean to be “on the Bench” in consulting

Usually refers to not being staffed on a project. As a junior person you want to be staffed on work, while normal to be “on the bench” for small amounts of time it can be a negative (although not always). Senior employees (directors, managers, etc) essentially get to pick their team, if you aren’t being picked it might be due to your work product. Like I said this isn’t always the case, sometimes there are a few projects coming up and another partner wants you on their project so they don’t want you staffed right away, other times the timing doesn’t quite line up, etc. And yes, you do get paid (these are salary jobs).