BOSTON, May 4, 2026 – Company stock plans are fundamentally reshaping how millions of employees invest, save, and think about their financial futures. According to Fidelity Investments’ 2026 Stock Plan Participant Research, 43% of employees became first-time stock owners through their company’s stock plan, and more than a third of those new investors (34%) went on to invest beyond the plan.
The findings, drawn from more than 25,000 employees globally, paint a picture of equity compensation that goes well beyond a line item in a total rewards package. For a growing number of workers, a stock plan is a gateway to investing, a source of confidence and, a reason to stay with their employer. The research underscores key themes shaping today’s workforce talent acquisition and retention strategies and will help guide more than 300 plan sponsors and equity leaders as they explore how to unlock stronger outcomes from their equity programs at 2026 Fidelity Stock Plan Summit in May.
“Equity really comes to life when employees understand it and feel connected to it,” said Emily Cervino, head of Thought Leadership for Fidelity Stock Plan Services. “For many people, a stock plan isn’t just a benefit – it’s their first accessible entry point into investing. When employees see how their day-to-day work is tied to company performance – and how that ties to their own financial goals – equity becomes motivating in a very real way.”
That sense of ownership shows up in how employees approach their work. In fact, nearly eight in 10 participants (78%) say their work contributes to their company’s success and stock performance, while 64% report a stronger sense of ownership in their organization. Furthermore, more than six in 10 (62%) say they work harder knowing that company performance directly affects the value of their equity. Together, the findings point to stock plans functioning as a meaningful bridge between employee efforts and company outcomes.
For employees, that connection between ownership and outcomes can be deeply personal. One survey respondent shared, “Knowing that the stock price is tied to my company’s performance motivates me and makes me feel a sense of ownership. I am proud to own stock in a place I work for.”
Equity supports financial security – now and for the future
Beyond workplace outcomes, the survey highlights equity’s expanding role as a path toward financial wellness. Most participants (73%) say their stock plan is part of their long-term financial plan, and 61% expect to use equity assets to help fund retirement. Additionally, 58% have used the proceeds of their stock plan awards to cover major life events such as a home purchase, education expenses, or even a special event like a vacation or wedding. At the same time, equity also serves as a financial safety net when life happens: 47% of participants report having sold shares to cover immediate needs such as emergency expenses or debt. These findings point to equity’s dual role in helping employees build long-term wealth or finance major life purchases while providing resilience during periods of financial uncertainty.
That sense of empowerment can be reinforced by plan design features that make investing more accessible through an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP). Another participant noted, “The automatic payroll deductions instilled a discipline of consistent saving, helping me build wealth without having to think about it. It tangibly connected my personal financial success to the success of the company, making me feel like a true owner and stakeholder.”
Equity drives attraction, retention, and results
As equity compensation plays a growing role in financial decision-making, the research underscores how stock plans are evolving beyond traditional incentives to become a key factor in talent decisions. Nearly two-thirds of employees (65%) say stock plan benefits are a consideration when accepting a job, while 56% claim they make them more likely to stay with their employer. For many employees, stock plans have become an essential part of how they evaluate total compensation, with 50% factoring stock plan value into their overall pay calculations.
Education and guidance help equity plans deliver their full potential
The research shows that education and support can help stock plans become an even more powerful source of confidence, engagement, and readiness for the future. While many employees (78%) report strong “task-based” understanding – such as knowing how to accept a grant – confidence drops significantly when it comes to making informed decisions about equity, with less than half (48%) reporting confidence in decision making. Education and guidance play a critical role in closing this gap. Employees who engage with equity education and communications report significantly higher understanding, confidence, and satisfaction compared to less engaged peers – showing just how important education and guidance are in helping employees get the most from their equity plans. Fidelity works alongside plan sponsors to share research-backed insights, improve participant understanding, and support informed decision-making around equity programs. Additionally, Fidelity Stock Plan Services offers a world-class communication and education experience that closes knowledge gaps, keeps employers and participants informed, and empowers employees to confidently navigate every stage of their equity compensation journey.
View the full survey report here. To learn more about how Fidelity can help companies build strong equity plans, visit https://www.fidelityworkplace.com/s/stockplanservices. Guided support is available for employees at Fidelity.com, or to learn more about how employees can make the most of their awards, visit Fidelity’s Stock Plan Resource Center.
About the Stock Plan Participant Survey
This study presents the findings of a global online survey consisting of 15,905 U.S. and 9,132 participants outside of the U.S. who are currently employed and participating in their company’s restricted stock, employee stock purchase plan (ESPP) or stock option plan. The survey was conducted September 16th – October 6th, 2025 by ConsumerMetrics, Inc. (CMI), which is not affiliated with Fidelity Investments. The results may not be representative of all participants meeting the same criteria as those surveyed.
About Fidelity Investments
Fidelity’s goal is to strengthen the financial well-being of our customers and deliver better outcomes for the clients and businesses we serve. Fidelity’s strength comes from the scale of our diversified, market-leading financial services businesses that serve individuals, families, employers, wealth management firms, and institutions. With assets under administration of $17.5 trillion, including discretionary assets of $6.8 trillion as of September 30, 2025, we focus on meeting the unique needs of a broad and growing customer base. Privately held for 79 years, Fidelity employs more than 78,000 associates across the United States, Ireland, and India. For more information about Fidelity Investments, visit https://about.fidelity.com/.
Fidelity does not provide legal or tax advice. The information herein is general in nature and should not be considered legal or tax advice. Consult an attorney or tax professional regarding your specific situation.
Views expressed are as of the date indicated, based on the information available at that time, and may change based on market or other conditions. Unless otherwise noted, the opinions provided are those of the speaker or author and not necessarily those of Fidelity Investments or its affiliates. Fidelity does not assume any duty to update any of the information.
The verbatim of the customers within may not be representative of the experience of all customers and is not indicative of future success.
Fidelity Stock Plan Services, LLC provides recordkeeping and/or administrative services to your company’s equity compensation plan, in addition to any services provided directly to the plan by your company or its service providers.
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