New Global Guide Maps Pathways to Employee Ownership

For the first time, a comparative guide to employee ownership models around the globe has been published in a resource supported by the eoa and aimed at policymakers and practitioners.

Image: Codrut Evelina's Images

A comprehensive international guide explores and compares legislative models for employee ownership, marking a significant milestone in the global movement to expand broad-based ownership. 

‘Expanding Employee Ownership: Models in the US, UK, France, Canada, and Slovenia’ offers policymakers, practitioners, and advocates a critical tool to understand how different countries are structuring – and succeeding with –employee ownership at scale.

The paper, published by National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO) in the US and edited by NCEO founder Corey Rosen, brings together contributions from leading voices in the field including: Jon Shell, Tej Gonza, Thibault Mirabel, and eoa International Ambassador Graeme Nuttall OBE. 

It was developed with the support of Social Capital Partners, Inštitut za ekonomsko demokracijo (Slovenia), Equalis Capital, and the eoa.

A Powerful Case

Drawing on decades of research and legislative experience, the paper makes a compelling case for expanding employee ownership through national policy. 

As it highlights, EO is one of the few economic ideas to earn consistent cross-party support. 

In the US, for example, eighteen pieces of legislation promoting employee stock ownership plans (ESOP) have passed since 1974, all with near-unanimous support. The most recent of which occurred in 2022.

The UK’s 2014 employee ownership trust (EOT) legislation was backed by all three major political parties. 

Canada followed suit with a new law in 2024 that enjoyed backing across the political spectrum, and similar momentum is building in Slovenia and France.

Research consistently shows that broad-based employee ownership delivers better outcomes for employees, businesses, and society. 

It increases job stability, builds wealth among workers, and strengthens company performance. It also contributes to a more resilient and inclusive economy. And these are goals shared across ideological lines.

A Global Comparison of Proven and Emerging Models

The report breaks new ground by offering side-by-side comparisons of five distinct national frameworks designed to enable employee ownership at scale from the ESOP model in the US to Slovenia’s blending of the former with the UK’s EOT model.

The paper explains the common threads among these models such as the use of trusts to hold shares for the long-term benefit of employees, and highlights where they diverge. 

It also outlines lessons learned from past approaches, especially the importance of tax incentives, robust governance frameworks, and the pitfalls of individual shareholding without disincentives to sell.

Lessons for Policymakers

One of the paper’s central insights is that EO needs smart policy to succeed. 

Key considerations for success flagged include collective ownership structures; tax incentives for transitions, and clear rules for equity, eligibility, and governance.

"This guide is an essential introduction to key models of employee ownership," said Graeme Nuttall.

"Its publication demonstrates the vital importance of national organisations working together to promote employee ownership internationally."

Looking Ahead

As wealth inequality and economic insecurity continue to dominate policy debates worldwide, the paper offers a timely and practical guide for governments exploring alternatives. 

It provides concrete examples of legislative frameworks that work, across diverse economic systems and political contexts.

The eoa is proud to support and promote this important work, which strengthens the case for scaling employee ownership across the globe. 

As the paper makes clear, the path forward is already being paved by countries committed to shared prosperity.

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