Employee share ownership and profit-sharing in the European Union

Participation by employees in the financial results of their companies has grown in importance across the European Union since the 1990s. This report investigates the scope and characteristics of employee share ownership and profit-sharing schemes in 14 EU Member States. It follows on from the joint publication, by the European Commission and the Foundation, of a comparative overview of the nature and extent of financial participation in the EU. Based on survey data from the Cranfield School of Management, it examines the structural, HR management and participation features of business organisations having one or both types of scheme. The report represents the most comprehensive inquiry to date of the incentives and benefits behind financial participation schemes.