I think it's more of anticipation for the future. If a company cuts overhead for something big, say, a corporate holiday party from $100k to $80k, some may be frustrated, but it's probably because they recognize the waste in hosting at the Ritz instead of the Hilton. It doens't necessarily mean salaries, benefits, or other, smaller, things will be cut, but it's sending a message that the firm cares about fiscally sustainable operations.
If a company cuts costs of the little things, all of a sudden everything is put on the table. Stock options, salary, benefits, perks, headcount. It sends the message that the company cares about operating today more efficiently than it cares about growing (because no company would stop investing in employees if it could still grow, because good employees make good products).
Companies cut small costs because they believe that their product/market fit has reached the final destination and the only way to grow profits is by cutting. The best firms (and by extension, employees) realize that the best way to grow is always up.
If a company cuts costs of the little things, all of a sudden everything is put on the table. Stock options, salary, benefits, perks, headcount. It sends the message that the company cares about operating today more efficiently than it cares about growing (because no company would stop investing in employees if it could still grow, because good employees make good products).
Companies cut small costs because they believe that their product/market fit has reached the final destination and the only way to grow profits is by cutting. The best firms (and by extension, employees) realize that the best way to grow is always up.