A report out today on HR trends in 2020 has revealed the huge impact of COVID-19 on the state ofsmall business in Britain and the likely impact on the economy.
The Employee Equity Trends 2020 report was compiled by Vestd, the share scheme and equity
management platform. It highlights the struggle many SMEs are currently facing.
The research found that 14.9% of SMEs are planning to cut the pay of their employees, with a
further 16.7% undecided. 48% said there would be no pay rises in the next 12 months.
The study of 500 UK-based business founders, owners, partners and C-level executives also revealed
that nearly half were rethinking how they run their business, and as part of that would be looking at
sharing ownership with their team.
Ifty Nasir, the Co-Founder and CEO of Vestd, explained: “Some employers are in a very difficult
position, they either cut their staff numbers and struggle to remain productive, or they have to cut
pay, which risks losing the best employees. Pay cuts for this many people is unprecedented and,
without their agreement, is illegal. It would seriously deplete spending power and that could trigger
an even deeper recession.”
“Our research shows that the more progressive companies are turning to sharing equity, as it can be
used to offset short term pay issues. In the long run it could be worth many times more than any gap
in salary growth.”
COVID-19 has been challenging for most businesses but, encouragingly, almost half of SMEs
reported that the pandemic had demonstrated the value and importance of their team. One in four
small employers already share ownership with at least one person in their team.
However, there is confusion and disparities when it comes to shared equity schemes. While 60% of
SMEs said that it leads to improved employee retention and one in three reported that the share
scheme has increased the value of their business, many employers are reluctant to consider them.
Of the reasons for not considering sharing equity, most are down to a lack of understanding of what
it actually involves. The top are:
Perception of cost (30%). It is expensive if you use a lawyer or an accountant who don’t specialise in
this area. However digital platforms, like Vestd, are only a tiny fraction of this cost and greatly
reduce the risk of making the kind of mistakes that have major value and tax implications.
Dilution (24%). There are ways to manage this and of course having a slightly smaller share in a very
successful business (as a result of more productive and loyal staff) is worth more than having all the
shares in one that does not reach its full potential.
The report also revealed that a significant number believe it will be too complicated to introduce an
equity share scheme or don’t know how to do it (24% when combined), or they have other priorities
(21%). However, by using an expert partner, it is now very quick and straightforward to do.
Ifty concluded: “Incentivising and rewarding people with equity has proven business benefits and is
becoming the norm among progressive start-ups and SMEs. During the COVID-19 crisis we have
launched a number of share schemes for SMEs that wanted to compensate employees, who have in
some cases been asked to reduce their salaries and / or hours. It answers a dilemma for small
businesses around how to afford and retain great people on a small company budget.”
Hernaldo Turrillo is a writer and author specialised in innovation, AI, DLT, SMEs, trading, investing and new trends in technology and business. He has been working for ztudium group since 2017. He is the editor of openbusinesscouncil.org, tradersdna.com, hedgethink.com, and writes regularly for intelligenthq.com, socialmediacouncil.eu. Hernaldo was born in Spain and finally settled in London, United Kingdom, after a few years of personal growth. Hernaldo finished his Journalism bachelor degree in the University of Seville, Spain, and began working as reporter in the newspaper, Europa Sur, writing about Politics and Society. He also worked as community manager and marketing advisor in Los Barrios, Spain. Innovation, technology, politics and economy are his main interests, with special focus on new trends and ethical projects. He enjoys finding himself getting lost in words, explaining what he understands from the world and helping others. Besides a journalist, he is also a thinker and proactive in digital transformation strategies. Knowledge and ideas have no limits.