Vox reported that OpenAI pressured departing employees to sign restrictive exit documents by threatening to withhold vested equity, a practice uncommon in Silicon Valley. Despite claims of ignorance by OpenAI leadership, internal documents suggest key executives, including CEO Sam Altman, were aware of these provisions. Following backlash, OpenAI has apologized and committed to changing their policies, including removing nondisparagement clauses and ensuring former employees' equity rights are respected.

Canva has provisions in employee contracts that allow the company to reclaim share rights from employees who publicly criticize the company, even after leaving, similar to a now-reversed policy at OpenAI. The contracts include non-disparagement clauses, non-compete agreements, and restrictions on using confidential information post-employment, aimed at protecting the company's interests. Critics, like entrepreneur Lucy Wark, argue these provisions can be used to silence former employees and prevent them from discussing major issues, though Canva claims the measures are intended to ensure employees share in the company's success.

A recent survey found that 60% of companies globally apply ESG targets to share-based employee compensation, with CO2 reduction, diversity, and corporate governance being the most common areas. Among those using ESG targets, 84% apply them to management board incentives, while 40% use them for short-term incentives and 30% for long-term incentives. The survey also indicated that institutional investors and proxy advisors significantly influence these targets, and a growing number of companies are focusing on ESG issues as part of their employee compensation strategies.

Airbnb has expanded compensation transparency by providing all employees globally with access to their base pay ranges, bonus targets, and annual performance equity award targets. This move, along with previously sharing base pay hiring ranges on job postings in the U.S., aims to enhance consistency in compensation and build a culture of trust and accountability. Additionally, Airbnb has conducted annual pay equity analyses since 2015, finding no significant unexplained gaps in pay, as part of their commitment to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace.