Unlocking the true value of Cost Transformation

Sustained productivity and cost efficiency in your organisation will not come from occasional cost‑cutting. Instead, it stems from how organisations are led, how work is designed, and how technology and people interact. In the ever tightening and ageing Dutch labour market, the task is to reshape costs so every euro of workforce and operating spend is redirected towards the highest-value activity through smarter organisational structures, optimised processes and technology-enabled talent.

This point of view sets out a practical, evidence-based way to do exactly that. Using Deloitte’s Find, Get, Reinvest, Keep approach, you start by establishing a true baseline of costs and pain points within your organisation. You then implement targeted changes that simplify the organisational structure, optimise delivery models, redesign roles and automate repetitive tasks. A defined share of savings is ring-fenced to fund building capabilities such as data and AI literacy, upgraded platforms, and development of leadership and performance measurement capabilities. Clear accountabilities, a cost-conscious culture and real-time dashboards keep the gains and prevent cost-creep, consolidating cost savings in the long-term.

Four levers make this actionable in your organisation:

• Organisation simplification: right-size spans and layers, clarify decision rights and reduce duplication.
• Work re-architecture and simplification: pinpoint low-value activity, apply automation and AI, and transition work effectively.
• Delivery optimisation: rethink where and how work is delivered using location strategy, alternative delivery models and flexible capacity.
• Performance enhancement: strengthen skills and performance management so people and teams perform at their best.

Explore the full perspective to see how save-to-grow thinking helps your organisation increase productivity, structurally reduce cost-base, improve service outcomes and create capacity for innovation where it matters most.