During the previous months of getting laid off, there was a big push for everyone to use their PTO. I went on a 2-week vacation in March, so I didn't really want to take more time off before October. If you are on the bench, they will push really hard to use your PTO first and then justify it saying that it will improve your ARVE. Don't fall for that. IT'S A TRAP.
Do your best to push out taking PTO when you don't need or want it. Invent excuses or whatever, but try really hard to keep at least 80hrs available at any point in time. Believe me... In case you are laid off, they will pay those vacation hours and that extra payroll could make a huge difference. Capgemini's layoff package is really bad, so in my case, having 160hrs of PTO at the time I was kicked out made a BIG difference.
Capgemini is just your employer. You don't owe anything to them. They are making tons of money out of you and won't think twice before kicking you out once you are not as profitable as they think you should be. You are simply an asset. Again, you don't owe anything to them as they are paying you cents on what they really make out of you. And of course, needless to say HR IS NOT in there for you. HR is there to protect the Company for any liabilities.
Open your eyes and start seeing things the way they really are. If you are a young, naive new Consultant with lot of illusions, I'm sorry to tell you the crude reality as it is. You can think whatever you want, but please don't forget these words. ALWAYS put yourself and your family first. ALWAYS stay looking in the market (even if just passively). NEVER trust your employer, as the conversations on those closed doors could well include your name in a list of disposable resources like an old computer or broken chair.
Freedom comes from knowledge. Pay it forward. I was once you. You might soon become me.