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95% of decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed say their organisation either already offers an Employee Share Scheme (ESS) or is considering introducing one within the next three years.
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81% of decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed report their organisation has increased use of non-traditional pay, such as employee share schemes and equity compensation, over the past five years.
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98% of decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed with an existing employee share scheme are planning or considering expanding eligibility across more of their workforce.
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Decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed cite employee retention (44%), engagement (43%) and attraction (43%) among the biggest benefits of offering employee share schemes.
Media release
The end of salary-only: 95% of large Australian employers embrace
employee share schemes
-
95% of decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed say their organisation either already offers an Employee Share Scheme (ESS) or is considering introducing one within the next three years.
-
81% of decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed report their organisation has increased use of non-traditional pay, such as employee share schemes and equity compensation, over the past five years.
-
98% of decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed with an existing employee share scheme are planning or considering expanding eligibility across more of their workforce.
-
Decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed cite employee retention (44%), engagement (43%) and attraction (43%) among the biggest benefits of offering employee share schemes.
Thursday 29th October 2026, Sydney, Australia – Large Australian employers are accelerating the shift beyond salary-only remuneration, with new research from Sharesies revealing that 95% of decision makers at large employers surveyed either already offer an Employee Share Scheme (ESS) or are considering introducing one within the next three years.
The findings suggest the next three years could mark a significant period of change in workplace remuneration, as large employers rethink how pay, employee ownership and long-term wealth creation can help them attract, engage and retain talent.
Released as part of wealth app Sharesies 'Ownership: The New Wave of Wealth Report', the research found that 42% of decision makers at large Australian employers say their organisation already offers an ESS, while a further 53% are considering introducing one within the next three years.
The shift extends beyond scheme adoption. More than four in five of those surveyed have increased their organisation’s use of non-traditional remuneration over the past five years, including almost one quarter that report a significant increase.
Decision makers point to a shift beyond salary
Decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed indicate their organisations are treating employee ownership as part of a broader workforce strategy, rather than a benefit reserved for founders, executives or senior leaders.
Susannah Batley, General Manager of Sharesies Business, said:
“Large Australian employers are rethinking what a compelling remuneration package looks like. Salary remains fundamental, but organisations are increasingly considering how ownership can help employees build long-term wealth while creating a stronger connection to the business.”
“The scale of employer interest suggests that employee ownership is no longer sitting at the edges of the remuneration conversation. It is becoming an increasingly important part of how employers think about reward, engagement and their future employee proposition.”
Employee ownership becomes part of the contest for talent
The shift comes as employers look for new ways to strengthen their employee proposition. When asked about the biggest benefits of employee share schemes, those surveyed cited employee retention at 44%, engagement at 43% and attraction at 43% among the most valuable outcomes.
Better business performance and enhanced company culture were each nominated by 37%, followed by employee financial wellbeing at 34%. Batley said the findings demonstrate that employers increasingly see employee ownership as both a remuneration and talent strategy.
“Employers are looking beyond what they pay people today and considering how they can give employees a meaningful opportunity to participate in the long-term value they help create.”
“For HR and workplace leaders, this is not simply a conversation about adding another benefit. It is about building an employee proposition that can support retention, strengthen engagement and give people a greater sense of connection to the organisation’s success.”
The next phase is broader employee participation
Employee ownership opportunities are also set to become available to a wider proportion of the workforce.
Among decision makers surveyed whose organisation already offers an employee share scheme, almost all are planning or considering expanding eligibility. Almost three in ten have firm expansion plans in place, while 69% are considering broader participation.
Batley said the next three years could reshape who has access to employee ownership and the role it plays within workplace remuneration.
“The next phase of employee ownership will be defined not only by how many employers introduce a scheme, but by how broadly and meaningfully they make ownership available.”
“With more than half of large Australian employers we surveyed considering introducing an ESS and almost every existing provider looking at broader eligibility, organisations need to decide now what role employee ownership will play in their future workforce strategy.”
Introducing a scheme is only the first step
Three quarters of decision makers at large Australian employers surveyed believe employees place greater value on a holistic remuneration package that supports long-term wealth creation through initiatives such as shares, equity participation or additional superannuation contributions. One in four believe employees primarily prioritise maximising take-home pay today.
However, Batley said bringing employee ownership into the remuneration mix is only part of the opportunity.
“Introducing an employee share scheme is only one part of the equation. The employers that realise the greatest value will be those that make ownership accessible, explain it clearly and connect it to their wider approach to remuneration and employee financial wellbeing.”
“The next era of wealth at work will not be defined by one benefit or scheme. It will be shaped by how effectively employers bring together fair pay, meaningful ownership, relevant benefits and financial education into a proposition employees can understand and value.”
“Employers that take a deliberate approach now will be better placed to build an employee proposition that remains compelling as workforce expectations and the remuneration landscape continue to evolve.”
ENDS
Research methodology
The Sharesies Business research was conducted online by YouGov between 12 and 19 August 2026 as part of the 'Ownership: The New Wave of Wealth Report', which explores the state of the pay packet in Australia. The survey was completed by 337 Australians aged 18 years and older who work for private companies with 250+ employees. Respondents took part as individuals in decision maker roles, spanning roles such as HR and People leaders, CFOs and finance leaders, senior legal counsel, company secretaries, investor relations professionals, founders, directors and board members. The results are unweighted and reflect the views of the decision makers surveyed. The study was carried out in accordance with ISO 20252:2019 standards, to which YouGov is accredited.
About us:
About Sharesies
Sharesies is a wealth app that over 1 million Aussies and Kiwis have joined to build long-term wealth. With over AU$10 billion of platform assets, it offers investors the opportunity to buy shares and ETFs across the Australian, US and New Zealand markets with no minimum investment.
Sharesies Business works with over 600 private and listed companies across Australasia to better understand and connect them with their stakeholders. Services include raising capital, registry and staff share schemes, and an investor relations platform.
Sharesies is a certified B Corp, meaning the company is committed to delivering a positive impact for its customers, suppliers, employees, community and the environment.
For more information, visit sharesies.com.au.
This release is provided by Sharesies Australia Limited (ABN 94 648 811 830, AFSL 529893) and is intended for general information purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice and does not take into account your personal objectives, financial situation or needs. Before making any investment decision, you should consider whether the information is appropriate for your circumstances and seek independent financial, legal or tax advice where appropriate.
Contact details:
Dounya Starenko
[email protected]
0433705329