Dive Brief:
- The majority of employers said they foresee more workers opting into an employee stock purchase plan or company equity benefits in 2026, according to a report released by Computershare, a financial services company.
- More than three-quarters of the 600 HR and total rewards leaders polled by Computershare said they anticipate increased ESPP participation at their company, with 82% expecting a higher participation in equity plans.
- “This proactive shift reflects growing recognition of equity programs as critical components of a modern, competitive benefits strategy,” Computershare researchers said in the report.
Dive Insight:
Equity plans are increasingly a part of the benefits conversation. Just last year, a report from Deel and Carta illustrated that in emerging markets like Brazil and India or for technical or specialized talent, equity was a key part of total rewards compensation.
“Positioning equity as a central component — not a supplementary perk — can help attract top talent, align employee interests with company growth, and improve retention without overextending fixed payroll costs,” the firms said at the time.
Sheila Frierson, Computershare’s president of North America Plan Managers, noted the strong tradition of American employees being interested in share offers. Likewise, Frierson told HR Dive via email, “We’re increasingly seeing interest from companies wanting to understand the feasibility of implementing, and providing access to, an equity plan for their entire range of employees.”
Ultimately, she said, “Long-standing research shows that owning shares can increase an employee’s financial position by around 25% during the course of their working life.” She added that this can be significant for workers, especially those who aren’t in executive roles and who may be experiencing more financial pressure in the current market.
