EQUITY SMARTS UNVEILED: A LIVELY TALK SHOW EXPERIENCE

Join this dynamic foursome as they unravel the complexities of equity compensation in a fun and interactive talk show format. These expert hosts will share their invaluable advice on best practices and emerging trends in equity compensation while providing insights into future challenges.

With their freewheeling style and extensive expertise, the panel are known for tackling challenging problems, sourcing elusive data, and engaging in lively debates on various equity practices.

Don't miss this engaging talk show experience, where you'll gain valuable insights, practical advice, and thought-provoking discussions on the ever-evolving world of equity compensation.

Attendees will learn:

  • The impact of market volatility and economic downturns on equity plans and gain a deeper understanding of how to navigate these variables effectively.
  • More about the evolving landscape of equity compensation and the pressing issue of pay equity, staying informed on the latest developments and exploring strategies to ensure fairness and equality.
  • The significance of vesting periods and the emerging role of social media in connecting employees with their equity awards while discovering innovative ways to engage and motivate their workforce.
Speaker/Author

SPEAKERS: Emily Cervino, FGE, Fidelity (US), Cherie Curry, FGE, Hilton (US), Sandra Sussman, FGE, SAP (US), Robyn Shutak, FGE, Infinite Equity (US)

Event date
Thursday, 15 Jun 2023, 13:00 - 13:50
Country
Breakout series

NAVIGATING TRANSITIONS AT WORK

The world in which we live and work is full of transitions, endings, new beginnings and everything in between. From getting a big promotion and working out how we want to respond to rebuilding after losing our job, to moving back to working in the office: transitions that happen in our business and personal lives can test our sense of self. Whatever the transition, rarely does the workplace offer the space to explore their impact of the transitions in a way that enables us to navigate them and emerge stronger.

In this interactive and immersive session, there will be room to discuss and reflect on transitions that you may encounter.

Attendees will learn:

  • The difference between a change and transition in the workplace using the Transition Coaching Method.
  • What their natural response is to transitions.
  • How to navigate transitions and develop tools that can be taken back into the workplace.
Speaker/Author

SPEAKER: Beatrice Hackett, Coaching in Motion (UK)

Event date
Thursday, 15 Jun 2023, 13:00 - 13:50
Country
Breakout series

MODERNIZED APPROACHES TO PAYROLL RECONCILIATIONS AND BEYOND

Join industry leaders from DoorDash, Avalara, and Moss Adams as they explore the transformative power of automation in driving operational excellence, starting with payroll reconciliations. In this engaging panel discussion, our expert panelists will share their diverse approaches to reconciliations, accompanied by real-world anecdotes highlighting the challenges they encountered and the successes they achieved along their journey.

Attendees will learn:

  • Automation: Streamline reconciliations and beyond with automation. Learn about the impact and efficiency gained from automated tools.
  • Scaling Automation: Expand automation efforts for sustained operational excellence across functions.
  • Lessons Learned: Gain practical strategies from panelists' experiences to maximize the benefits of automation.
Speaker/Author

SPEAKERS: Matthew McKittrick, Moss Adams (US), Tierney Dowling, DoorDash, Merianne White, Avalara

Event date
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 15:00 - 15:50
Country
Company name
DoorDash, Avalara, Moss Adams
Breakout series

IPO JOURNEY HINDSIGHT: INSIGHTS, TIPS, AND EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATION

Learn from the IPO experiences of three issuers in this insightful panel discussion who each consider what they would do differently if they had their time again.

Join them as they delve into their valuable insights, tips, and the challenges they encountered throughout their IPO journeys. Through real-life examples, they will explore the lessons learned and mistakes made, providing valuable knowledge to enhance the smooth execution of future IPOs.

Attendees will learn:

  • Real-Life IPO Insights: Gain valuable perspectives from prominent business leaders who have undergone the IPO process, sharing their experiences, challenges, and key takeaways.
  • Getting Stock Plans IPO-Ready: Discover best practices and strategies for preparing your stock plans for an IPO, ensuring compliance, transparency, and effectiveness during the transition.
  • Employee Communication Tips: Learn effective communication strategies to engage and inform employees during the IPO journey, fostering a sense of ownership and understanding.
Speaker/Author

SPEAKERS: Chris Dohrmann, Global Shares (US), Matthew Neuman, Aramco (SA)

Event date
Tuesday, 13 Jun 2023, 14:00 - 14:50
Topic
Country
Breakout series

ENHANCING THE PERCEIVED VALUE OF EQUITY AWARDS

In the face of ongoing stock market uncertainty and persistent high inflation, the perceived value of equity awards for equity plan participants has taken a hit, marking a significant departure from the long-standing upward trend.

This expert panel highlights how employers can play a crucial role in helping plan participants fully comprehend and appreciate the value of their equity compensation and unlock the potential of their equity awards.

Don't miss this enlightening session, where we provide actionable insights that will not only position employers as leaders during these uncertain times but also enable them to attract and retain top-tier talent.

Attendees will learn:

  • The importance of employee education in understanding equity compensation.
  • Effective communication strategies to convey the value of equity awards.
  • How providing access to personalized financial advice is crucial for optimizing equity compensation.
Speaker/Author

SPEAKERS: Tommy Swindle, FGE, UBS (US), Dean Baylor, Applied Materials (US)

Event date
Thursday, 8 Jun 2023, 16:00 - 16:50
Topic
Country
Breakout series

TAKEOVERS: TOP TEN TIPS

Share plans are vital in corporate takeovers, impacting employees—the most valuable asset of companies. Buyers and sellers strive to achieve the best outcome, recognizing employees' contributions and maintaining motivation. Factors to consider include external regulations for employee communication and commercial pressures for timely deal completion.

In this session, the expert panel explore key themes: communication strategies, technology use, and global legal and tax implications in takeovers. Drawing from real-life experiences, they will share ten top tips for effective planning and execution, ensuring employee engagement and seamless collaboration among stakeholders.

Attendees will learn:

  • The legal and tax implications of a takeover on share plans, including accelerated non-vested awards.
  • The importance of effective employee communication and explore the use of technology for information dissemination and tracking elections and acceptances.
  • The global impact of a transaction on share plans, including non-home jurisdictions and unique considerations for tax-advantaged plans.
Speaker/Author

SPEAKERS: Cathy Wears, CMS (UK), Magdalena Spasova, SS&C Technologies Holdings, Inc., Aleda Denner, Investec

Event date
Thursday, 8 Jun 2023, 14:00 - 14:50
Country
Breakout series

GIVING AWAY THE GOLD - DESIGNING AN OPTIMIZED GRANT PROCESS

Dive into cutting-edge techniques for optimizing your new grant process in this informative session. The expert panel will guide you through best practices and help you navigate potential pitfalls, covering both upstream and downstream issues.

Discover valuable tips and tricks for constructing a robust grant reconciliation process, regardless of the systems you use to manage your new grants. Furthermore, we will share our insights on how recent industry trends are reshaping traditional approaches to stock allocation.

Attendees will learn:

  • How to streamline the new grant process through automation techniques for efficiency and accuracy.
  • The importance of addressing cross-border considerations and compliance when managing global grant challenges.
  • The secrets of effective project management that ensures the smooth execution of global grants.
Speaker/Author

Speakers: Andrew Barrus, ProCore Technologies (US), Steve Campbell, Paypal (US), Michael McComas, Morgan Stanley at Work (US)

Event date
Thursday, 8 Jun 2023, 14:00 - 14:50
Country
Breakout series
ON-DEMAND WEBCAST
24 January 2023
GEIS - PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE 2022
webcast on-demand

SPEAKERS: Sheila Frierson, Computershare, Sandra Sussman, FGE, SAP,  Andrew Thain, hkp///group, Sebsatian Wetzel, Siemens Energy

Trending now
Global

Now in its 11th consecutive year, the Global Equity Insights Survey is the leading global assessment of current market practice and trends regarding equity-based compensation across the world. With new focus topics each year, insights into new market developments help practitioners design and implement equity programs in the largest companies from diverse industries. Join us for a discussion of the latest trends with survey sponsors and panel experts.

ON-DEMAND WEBCAST
14 June 2022
EMPLOYEE RETENTION: DOES OFFERING EQUITY MAKE A DIFFERENCE?
woman smiling

SPEAKERS: Janet Cooper OBE, FGE, Moderator (UK), Nick Lawry, Kindred Group (UK), Adrienne Pettit, Insulet (USA) 

Employee engagement
Global

As companies continue to combat the Great Resignation, the search for effective retention initiatives to reduce churn is an ongoing challenge. Putting talent first is a must to save time and resources on recruitment, sustain team morale and support growth.

How can employee ownership improve employee retention rates? 

In this moderated webcast, GEO Award-winning companies that have built successful employee retention strategies supported by their equity plans. You'll discover:

  • Whether retention was a key objective when designing the winning equity compensation programs, or a welcome by-product
  • The affect of global events such as the Covid-19 pandemic and the ‘great resignation’ on plan participation and employee retention
  • Whether the share plan had any other employee-centric impacts
  • What other steps the companies take to retain employees
  • What’s next - is retention a focus for their future share plans?
ARTICLE
10 April 2023
GENERALI: DRIVING SOCIAL CHANGE THROUGH SHARE OWNERSHIP
people discussing
GEO award excellence
Global

The ‘millennial mindset’ is now a phrase familiar to HR professionals. It means a way of thinking that builds social consciousness into all aspects of life.

As younger generations of employees pay attention to where businesses spend their money and how they contribute to society, establishing a corporate culture of social awareness and offering philanthropic benefits can attract and retain top talent, instil a sense of purpose and improve employee engagement.

In 2020, Generali designed a unique all-employee share plan that empowers its people to drive social change.

Simple to understand and pioneering in structure, We SHARE - The Generali Ownership Plan encourages their 70,000 global employees to help care for those most vulnerable in society.

Let’s take a look at Generali’s socially aware approach to share ownership.

“If your company is looking to recruit and retain the best talent it may be time to look past traditional perks such as gym memberships and swanky offices and use your share plan to offer a rewarding, engaging and meaningful employee experience.”

1. Put people at the heart of your corporate strategy

At Generali, entrepreneurship and growth are encouraged, and their teams are empowered to make a difference to people’s lives through the work that they do.

These employee-centric and altruistic principles became a key focus when Generali launched its strategic plan in 2020.

The company strived to ensure alignment of employee performance with their new strategic goals by prioritizing their employees’ needs.

 

2. Create a common purpose

Generali wanted its We SHARE plan to be capable of reaching out and bringing together people with a common purpose from across the globe for the common good.

To provide a structure and focus for their corporate giving, Generali established ‘The Human Safety Net Foundation’, a charity that aims to help shape a safer future and make a concrete and lasting impact on lives.

 

3. Incentivize plan participation

A donation of the equivalent monetary value of one share for each employee who actively participated in the company’s share purchase plan was paid by Generali to its ‘The Human Safety Net’ charitable foundation. Employees were also encouraged to make additional voluntary donations to feel personally invested.

Other engagement incentives included free shares, potential share price gains, and membership of ‘The Owners’ Club’, an app offering on-demand financial education and support.

 

4. Develop a multi-channel communications system

Generali’s well-orchestrated communications campaign was lauded by our judges as one of the most integrated and comprehensive programs they had encountered. The plan had visible top-down support, strong program branding, and its comprehensive communications materials were visible, clear, country-specific, and accessible.

 

5. Prioritize more comprehensive financial education

Generali provided participants with digital tools to make informed financial decisions via their Owners Club app. This award-winning financial education program provides direct, virtual, on-demand, and borderless access for plan participants all year round.

Financial concepts are made easily understood and its content leverages expert opinion from qualified internal and external sources with themes that dovetail into the benefits of equity and link to the corporate charity.

 

The result? A successful share plan that fuels positive change

Not only is the We SHARE plan an innovative share ownership program that fits snugly with the company’s ethos, but it also enjoyed a plan participation rate of 35.7% during its three-week enrolment window and won the following GEO Awards:

  • 2020 Best Plan Communication
  • 2021 Best Use of a Share Plan in Support of Corporate Social Responsibility
  • 2021 Best in Financial Education

Today, the Human Safety Net charity is funded by donations from the We SHARE plan, General’s employees, its Vitality membership base, members of the public, and social investors. It works to transform the lives of over 150,000 vulnerable parents, children, and refugees across 23 countries, most recently raising funds to support impacted families with children from Ukraine. Visit the Safety Net website to find out more.