The CEO of my company announced today that the board approved a special bonus payment. All full-time employees will be granted about $2,000 worth of restricted stock units, which will vest on March 14, 2009. On that date, each unit will convert to a share of stock and will be available to sell.
It’s not a bad deal, unless someone leaves the company before 2009. I’m not a fan of having benefits tied to company loyalty.
Published or updated March 15, 2006. If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to the RSS feed or receive daily emails. Follow @flexo on Twitter and visit our Facebook page for more updates.
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Luke Landes founded Consumerism Commentary in 2003 and has been building online communities since 1990. Luke, also known as Flexo, has contributed to PC World Magazine, US News, Forbes, and other publications. 
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
I agree. I also received restricted stock from my company as part of my bonus. They won’t fully vest unitl 2010. Who knows if I’ll still be there in 2010. I understand they want to retain good employees, but come on, give me something I can use now!
Congrats — I think.
Even if you leave before 2009, you can use them as a negotiating tool with your new employer. (i.e. “I’m about to come into stock worth $________ that I need to take into account.”)
It is just employee’s version of golden handcuff, but it is always better than nothing.