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The research

What actually makes the case to keep someone

We fact-checked the research on how retention and layoff decisions really get made — then turned it into a short, sourced series. Every claim links back to its original source.

What actually convinces a manager to keep someone

We fact-checked the research on retention decisions. Two levers do most of the work — and several "obvious" ones don’t hold up.
June 2026 · 6 min read

The real cost of losing an employee

Replacing someone costs far more than a recruiter fee. Here’s how to put a defensible number on it.
June 2026 · 7 min read

Argue the loss, not the upside

The same facts framed as a loss beat the same facts framed as a gain. The psychology is settled — here’s how to apply it.
June 2026 · 5 min read

Past results aren’t enough

Strong performers still get cut. Usually because the case looked backward when the decision was about the future.
June 2026 · 5 min read

The persuasion myths that don’t hold up

Some of the most-repeated persuasion advice didn’t survive a fact-check. Here’s what we dropped, and why.
June 2026 · 6 min read

How much does it cost to replace an employee?

A clear, sourced breakdown — from the recruiter fee to the hidden two-thirds — with a simple way to estimate it for any salary.
June 2026 · 6 min read

How to make the case to keep someone on your team

A step-by-step way to argue for retaining an employee — built from what the evidence says actually moves a "keep" decision.
June 2026 · 7 min read

Worried about layoffs? Make your value undeniable

What the research on retention decisions means for you — and how to make sure the people deciding can actually see your value.
June 2026 · 6 min read

Putting it into practice for someone on your team?

Build the case →

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