Cutting costs isn't enough to drive change - change needs story

Switching to new software often makes good financial sense - IT teams can deliver measurable savings with the right tools. But cost-cutting alone rarely inspires support.

This article shows why focusing only on the numbers falls short - and how using psychological strategies can lead to stronger, more lasting buy-in.

Why Change Needs More Than a Cost Message

Cognitive dissonance plays a major role. When people are skeptical about a change but are presented with facts that support it, they experience mental tension. To ease that discomfort, they’re more likely to reject the facts than reconsider their beliefs.

Another issue is the effect of psychological reactance. When people feel pressured into a decision—even a smart one—they tend to resist. Framing change as purely a cost-cutting move risks triggering pushback, especially from stakeholders who feel excluded or targeted.

Most employees outside of leadership don’t focus on corporate savings—unless those savings directly benefit them. That could mean a lighter workload, performance bonuses, or other perks. If communication focuses only on cutting expenses, it can feel unfair or tone-deaf. That’s a natural reaction. The solution is to see things from the employee’s point of view and speak to what matters to them.

💡 Three Ways to Communicate Change More Effectively

1. Lead with stories, not just statistics

Instead of saying, “This will save $200,000 a year,” share an example: “Company X saw faster onboarding than expected, and IT effort dropped by 50 percent.”

2. Blend logic with emotion

Numbers help, but they don’t move people. Connect on a personal level: “You’ll spend less time on formatting and more time on meaningful, strategic work.”

3. Give people a say to reduce resistance

Help leaders and key users feel involved by offering clear options: “Would you prefer a phased rollout or a fast launch?” When people help shape the outcome, they’re more likely to support it.

Change isn’t just a tech issue—it’s a people issue. When you treat change as a source of value, not just a way to cut costs, you create lasting impact across the organization.

Our team of change specialists is ready to help you build a communication strategy that earns support from leadership and users alike. Let’s plan your next step together.