Word: stockely
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These losses are tough on all recipients, but the rank and file suffers most. Many top execs have been bailed out with supplemental grants and so-called reloads. What may be most interesting about this saga, though, is that after stock prices tumbled from 2000 to 2002 and another bull market was calving, broad-based stock-option plans began to fade. Some 8 million workers received grants in 2000; the number dropped to 3 million by last year, Kay says. The total value of grants has slipped by a third, says the NCEO...
...consultants say companies have returned to the old days of granting options, or restricted stock, only to big shots and stars. The NCEO estimates that the number of companies with broad-based plans has dropped to 3,000, from a peak of 4,000 a few years ago. As a result, says Kay, "morale problems are stewing." He warns that line workers understand the value of options when they are granted while the market is low. "They'll see this as a pay cut," he says, and it will infuriate them when CEOs start ringing the register again...
...equity culture is far from dead at privately held companies, where broad-based stock-ownership plans (ESOPs) are still popular and well funded. If you're changing jobs, keep that in mind. At public companies, meanwhile, you can still command options or restricted shares if you are a top performer. "But most people should focus on their benefits, like a cash bonus, a raise and the 401(k) match," says David Broman, CEO of pay consultant Syzygy. "Companies are in the driver's seat...
...Employee stock-purchase plans (ESPPs) are also thriving, and those cut out of options plans should consider agitating for an ESPP if their firm doesn't have one. An ESPP typically allows you to buy stock commission-free at a 5% discount from market...
...nothing else, says Kay, take solace in companies' willingness to expand their work-life-balance benefits, which is the newest thing in keeping an aging workforce happy. Unlike stock options, benefits such as flextime, telecommuting and concierge services are a sure thing...