Shares Keep Staff Better - managing directors offer options and benefits to retain staff - Brief Article - Statistical Data Included

Business Asia, July, 2001

AUSTRALIAN TECHNOLOGY companies are increasingly offering employees shares or options to attract and retain skilled staff, according to a recent survey by Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu.

The Deloitte Technology Industry Review survey, which was based on the responses of 400 CEOs and managing directors of Australian technology companies, found 28 per cent offered equity options to their skilled staff. Despite the increasing popularity of share schemes, this figure is still significantly less than among major Australian listed companies, which trends suggest is around 90 per cent, the report stated.

Respondents also confirmed that recruiting skilled staff was still the greatest concern for their business, ahead of other key business challenges such as capital-raising, increased competition and new product development.