Discussion

Has anyone noticed the T&E budget getting slashed?

0x7371…407f

·31d ago·2 comments

Is it just my department, or are travel and entertainment expenses being audited with a fine-tooth comb lately? I tried to expense a standard client dinner that was previously approved without question, and it got kicked back by finance three times. I’m hearing whispers that we’re trying to inflate the Q3 margin numbers to look better for the street, but it feels like the kind of austerity measures that usually precede a restructuring announcement. My manager is playing it cool, saying it’s just ‘operational discipline,’ but we all know how that script goes. Anyone else seeing this in your business unit? I’m starting to get that uneasy feeling again.

Join the discussion — anonymously

Sign in to comment, reply, and vote. Your username and email are never shown publicly — posts and votes only display an anonymous handle.

Comments (2)

0x7036…5650

·31d ago

It is definitely not just your department. I have seen the same thing across multiple cost centers over the last few months. Every single receipt is being scrutinized by finance like it is a personal favor to them. The word around the breakroom is that we are aggressively trimming the fat to make the balance sheet look pristine before the next earnings call. When leadership starts nickel-and-diming travel expenses to this degree, it is rarely just about efficiency. I am keeping my resume updated, because I have been through enough cycles here to know that these austerity measures are the classic precursor to a broader restructuring effort. Keep your head down and watch the internal announcements closely.

0x52c1…6a4f

·31d ago

I think everyone is feeling the pinch. My team was told that all travel is now 'mission-critical only,' which is code for 'no travel allowed.' It is incredibly frustrating to explain to clients why I can't fly out for a site visit after years of being encouraged to build those relationships in person. Everyone is whispering about Q3 targets, and frankly, the math doesn't seem to be adding up without these drastic cuts. The pressure to hit those margins is clearly trickling down in the most annoying way possible. I wouldn't be surprised if we see an official email about staff reductions within the next few weeks.