A blog about the 8 basic principles written by the European Federation of Employee Share Ownership (EFES). We highlight the main lesson of each principle and explain how each one can help you set up a participation plan or improve your current one. Start reading and begin your journey towards employee participation and making a difference
For our search towards Employee Participation, I got in contact with the EFES, this is the European Federation of Employee Share Ownership, and they have written fantastic reports on employee participation in Europe. One of the first and most remarkable things I read this week was about the 8 general principles of good practice in Employee Participation Plans, defined by the European Commission already in 2002 (link to EFES report):
The article explains in great detail what the reasoning behind these 8 principles is/was, already in 2002 and how these might even be more prominent today in both large corporate as SME’s.
The reason this caught my attention is that these eight principles seem to clearly define the mandatory parameters our system (app.sharecouncil.co) should agree on. It indicates extremely clearly how delicate a participation plan can be, but also how robust and simply it could be set up if managed with the right platforms. In short, the most important for us seems: available for all, clear, transparent, defined formulas, regular updates, protection of users, financial inclusion and dynamics.
I have highlighted some of the main lessons from these eight principles that will help anyone setting up a new employment participation plan or improving their current plan. I do know that these points (from 2002) skip the most crucial part of implementing employee participation plans, which is Financial (Tax) Incentives set by Governments, but that will be for next week.
Employee share ownership should be voluntary for both enterprises and employees. The introduction of ESO schemes should meet the actual needs and interests of all the parties involved and should therefore not be imposed. Obviously, this does not exclude that some elements are made mandatory, or that it is introduced on the basis of legislation or collective agreements.
Access to ESO schemes should in principle be open to all employees. While a certain differentiation may be justified in order to meet the different needs and interests of employees, ESO schemes should aim at being as comprehensive as possible and treating employees on similar terms. Among the main benefits of employee share ownership are increased employee solidarity, creating a feeling of belonging and improving motivation. Any discrimination between employees would be in conflict with these objectives and should therefore be avoided.
ESO schemes should be set up and managed in a clear and transparent way. This is important for the acceptance of such schemes and allows employees to fully assess the possible risks and benefits involved. Priority should be given to clear, comprehensible plans, with an emphasis on transparency for employees. In this regard, it is particularly important that employees or their representatives are informed and consulted about the details of ESO schemes that will be introduced. ESO schemes almost inevitably involve a certain complexity. It is therefore important to allow for adequate training for employees, to enable them to assess the nature and details of the scheme. Schemes should also be managed in a transparent way. Employees should receive regular information and should be informed about any developments which may have a major impact on their investment.
This is a major element in ensuring the transparency of schemes. Also with view to the motivation, commitment and identification of staff, it will obviously be preferable to adopt clear and predefined formulas.
ESO schemes should be implemented on a regular basis and should not be a one-off exercise. This is all the more important, given that such schemes are aimed at enhancing and rewarding the long-term commitment of staff. Such regularity is also a factor for better financial performance and lower risk.
Compared to other ‘investors’, employees tend to be more exposed to adverse economic developments affecting their enterprise. For them, it is not only their investment that is at stake but potentially also their income and their job itself. However, possible risks for employees depend to a large extent on the details of each plan, including for example the length of any retention period, provisions allowing an earlier sale of shares, or maximums on the amounts that can be invested. Given the potential risks for the employees involved, due consideration should in any case be given in the introduction and running of ESO schemes to the avoidance of any unreasonable risks. At the very least, employees have to be warned of the risks of employee share ownership resulting from fluctuations in income or from limited diversification of investments.
A clear distinction has to be made between income from ESO schemes on the one hand and wages and salaries on the other. In some specific cases (for example for top executives or in the case of start-up firms) income from employee share ownership, and in particular stock options, may constitute an important part of the overall remuneration. In general, however, employee share ownership cannot be a substitute for pay and fulfils a different, complementary role. Any income from ESO schemes should therefore be paid in addition to and above a fixed wage, which is determined according to national rules and practices.
ESO schemes should be developed in a way that is compatible with worker mobility both internationally and between enterprises (whether company-driven or employee-driven). Policies towards employee share ownership in particular should avoid creating barriers to the international mobility of workers. One of the main objectives of ESO obviously is to enhance the long-term commitment and loyalty of employees to their enterprise. However, at the same time, more and more employees are faced with increased demands for mobility and flexibility in working life. Adequate provisions that take into account both the company’s interest in a long-term commitment by their employees and the employee’s right to mobility should therefore be included in the design of ESO schemes.
This blog has explored the eight fundamental principles outlined by the European Federation of Employee Share Ownership (EFES). Each principle holds a valuable lesson for establishing or enhancing participation plans. By adhering to these principles, you can embark on the path of employee participation and make a positive impact in your organization. Do you want to find out more about participation plans and our platform? Book a demo with our CEO.