How to run a cost review without losing your best people

Every cost review has a rumour phase. If people learn about it in the hallway, your best people start interviewing before you have finished the spreadsheet.

You can cut costs and keep trust. It mostly comes down to order and honesty.

Say it before you know the answer

Tell the team a review is starting, why, and when they will hear more. You do not need the conclusion yet. You need to be the first source.

Protect the people you cannot replace

Before any number is final, name the ten people whose departure would hurt most. Talk to each of them in the first week. Most will stay if they hear the plan from you directly.

Cut in one round

Several small rounds feel gentler but cost more. People stop planning and start guessing. Decide once, explain the reasoning in writing, and then stop.

What we measure afterwards

Regretted attrition over the next six months. If it stays flat, the review worked. If it climbs, the savings will not last.