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Reduce HR Costs in Times of Financial Pressure

In times of low growth, reducing costs is a top priority. Make informed cost reduction decisions that promote HR’s role as strategic partner.

Uncertain and fluctuating economic environments have pushed many organizations into mandating cost-cutting measures to maintain organizational viability. HR is not exempt from these mandates and must ensure strategic contributions are not compromised throughout this process.

Need Extra Help?
Speak With An Analyst.


  • Get on-demand project support
  • Get advice, coaching, and insight at key project milestones
  • Go through a Guided Implementation to help you get through your project

Our Advice

Critical Insight

Success in reaching the cost reduction mandate does not necessarily equate to success for HR. Some proposed initiatives will result in unmet organizational and/or HR objectives. HR leaders that communicate the risk of unmet organizational objectives to executives reinforce HR’s strategic contribution to the organization, manage expectations for HR service level agreements, and promote optimal HR workloads.

Impact and Result

Successful cost cutting entails swiftly identifying short-term solutions across HR initiatives, HR workforce, and vendor management, while minimizing adverse effects on long-term organizational and HR strategic goals.


Reduce HR Costs in Times of Financial Pressure Research & Tools

1. Determine cost reduction initiatives

Document the details of the cost reduction mandate & the associated negotiable and nonnegotiable constraints and the uncovered cost reduction initiatives across the three areas of focus.

2. Prepare an action plan

Create a prioritized shortlist of initiatives, a cost reduction roadmap, and a communication plan for the organization and executives.

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About McLean & Company

McLean & Company is an HR research and advisory firm providing practical solutions to human resources challenges via executable research, tools, diagnostics, and advisory services that have a clear and measurable impact on your business.

What Is a Blueprint?

A blueprint is designed to be a roadmap, containing a methodology and the tools and templates you need to solve your HR problems.

Each blueprint can be accompanied by a Guided Implementation that provides you access to our world-class analysts to help you get through the project.

Need Extra Help?
Speak With An Analyst

Get the help you need in this 2-phase advisory process. You'll receive 2 touchpoints with our researchers, all included in your membership.

Guided Implementation 1: Determine cost reduction initiatives
  • Call 1: Understand the cost-reduction mandate and organizational constraints, and uncover a variety of cost-reduction initiatives relating to HR initiatives, workforce, and vendor management.

Guided Implementation 2: Prepare an action plan
  • Call 1: Shortlist, prioritize, and implement cost-reduction initiatives according to the cost-reduction roadmap, and create an executive presentation.