An effective communication program is key to the success of any share plan program. Operating plans globally present unique geographic, linguistic, and cultural challenges that complicate even the best communication programs. This award category looks for the most effective and appropriate communication methods and materials used in plan communications, including written, internet/web-based and virtual communication methods including video technology regardless of where a plan is offered. Judges will consider a company's size and number of participants to whom the company must communicate with regarding their share plans.

Awards are not based on the amount of money spent on a communications program—rather they are based on content, coherency, and style of the message delivered, including the cohesiveness of the media employed to accomplish the organization’s defined goals.

Note that in previous years, the awards process considered video technology as a separate awards category, however, due to the fact that video media is commonly deployed as part of a comprehensive campaign, all communication mechanisms will be considered within the Best Plan Communication category.

THE 2023 BEST PLAN COMMUNICATION WINNERS

  • ANGLO AMERICAN PLC

    Over 75,0000 employees
    United Kingdom
    ANGLO AMERICAN

    PROGRAM NAME: MYSHARE: THE ANGLO AMERICAN SHARE OWNERSHIP PLAN
    EMPLOYEES: 106,000
    COUNTRIES:
    PARTNERS: EXIMIA COMMUNICATIONS; MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

    Anglo American's MyShare employee share plan communication program has been recognized with an award for overcoming a complex set of challenges. The plan required implementation in 15 countries and multiple languages, with a particular emphasis on communicating with employees in South America and China. The launch was complicated by economic uncertainty and a lack of understanding among many employees about share plans and ownership.

    To address these challenges, Anglo American created an engaging communications campaign with a clear narrative that emphasized the plan's benefits. The campaign was rolled out in four stages, utilizing various communication assets to educate and inform employees at different levels. As a result, 73% of eligible employees accessed their MyShare account to accept their Free Share Award, and 36% opted to invest their own money in the Purchase and Matching Shares Plan.

    The judges were impressed by the campaign's thoroughness across events and phases, and how it reflected the company's corporate culture. They also noted the early engagement with local coordinators and managers, which was viewed as a strong point. The follow-up questionnaire proved valuable in identifying areas for improvement in future campaigns, and the use of multiple communication methods to reach employees who don't have access to online tools was seen as a smart and effective strategy.

    Overall, the judges were impressed by the campaign's attention to detail, inclusiveness, and potential for continued improvement.

  • COCA-COLA EUROPACIFIC PARTNERS

    Between 10,000 and 75,000 employees
    United Kingdom
    COCA-COLA

    PROGRAM NAME: EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
    EMPLOYEES: 33,000
    COUNTRIES: 29
    PARTNERS: DELOITTE; MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK; TAPESTRY COMPLIANCE

    The Coca Cola communications program was created to engage all employees globally, regardless of their job role or location. The comprehensive campaign included launch communications in nine languages, a 90-second animation video, posters and flyers, a Shareworks guide, tax guides, webinars, and intranet portals in local languages. 

    The program's success was attributed to creating a meaningful connection between employees and the business's broader vision, elevating excitement about ownership, and making it easy to understand and participate. The program achieved a 37% take-up rate globally, with New Zealand's being the highest at 58%.

    Colleagues across the business gave overwhelmingly positive feedback, indicating that the communications were engaging and easy to connect with, leading to an impressive take-up rate. 

    The judges were impressed with the comprehensive and well-executed nature of the communications. They felt that the program's focus on inclusivity and accessibility was evident and that the communications were designed to engage a diverse audience, with an effective rollout strategy that considered different learning styles, including animation and accessible step-by-step guides. The integration of the company's core values into the communications was also effective in creating a meaningful connection between employees and the business.

    The judges appreciated the consistency of branding with the company's culture and the crisp, modern, eye-catching, and fun materials that conveyed important information.

  • RS GROUP PLC

    Under 10,000 employees
    United Kingdom
    RS

    PROGRAM NAME: RS YAY
    EMPLOYEES: 7,70032
    PARTNERS: COMPUTERSHARE; DELOITTE; SCARLETT ABBOTT

    The RS Group communications program has been recognized by the judges for its innovative approach to creating a global all-employee share ownership plan. The program was designed to resonate with employees across the globe, who come from diverse cultures, ethnicities, genders, ages, and backgrounds. The key objective was to create a simple, impactful, and inclusive plan that would be accessible to all employees, regardless of their location or role within the company.

    To achieve this, the communications approach was intentionally relaxed and plain-speaking, avoiding corporate terminology and instead mirroring the RSWay branding. All communication and plan documents were translated to maximize inclusivity, and materials were delivered online, via email, and through the company's SharePoint site, with hard copies provided where necessary. The program also included workshops for employees to learn more about the plan and ensure maximum engagement.

    The program successfully granted awards to 7,753 employees in 32 countries, with a 100% take-up rate. Each employee received a free share award over 100 shares, with an approximate value of £1,000 at grant. The plan was designed to be easy for employees to participate in, with no unnecessary barriers, and awards vest in 2025 subject to continued employment and a performance target to grow the company's profit CAGR%.

    The judges were impressed by the program's inclusivity, simplicity, and impact, as well as the vibrancy of the materials and the alignment with the company's culture. They noted that the program tackled a difficult topic like PSUs with very simple messaging, making it accessible to all employees. Overall, the RS Group communications program stands out as a comprehensive and innovative approach to creating a global all-employee share ownership plan, and is a deserving winner of its first award

MORE BEST PLAN COMMUNICATION AWARD WINNERS

  • ATLASSIAN CORPORATION PLC

    Between 5,000 and 75,0000 employees
    Australia
    ATLASSIAN

    PLAN NAME: 2015 SHARE INCENTIVE PLAN
    EMPLOYEES: 5,600
    COUNTRIES: 17
    PARTNERS: MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK

  • ALLIANZ SE

    Over 100,000 employees
    Germany
    ALLIANZ SE

    PLAN NAME: EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
    EMPLOYEES: 147,00070
    PARTNERS: COMPUTERSHARE; EY; MERCHANTCANTOS

  • PFIZER INC

    Between 25,000 and 100,000 employees
    United States
    PFIZER INC

    PLAN NAME: PFIZER LONG-TERM INCENTIVE AWARDS
    EMPLOYEES: 88,000
    COUNTRIES: 90
    PARTNERS: FIDELITY

  • TMX GROUP LIMITED

    Less than 5,000 employees
    Canada
    TMX GROUP LIMITED

    PLAN NAME: EMPLOYEE SHARE PURCHASE PLAN
    EMPLOYEES: 1,000
    COUNTRIES: 4
    PARTNERS: MORGAN STANLEY AT WORK