There are many advantages to having employees own shares in a company. However, I would add that it depends on the industry, type of company and other circumstances.
These are factors that play a role and should add to a more nuanced discussion:
- Ownership also implies responsibilities and risk. There might be capital risks or surety needed for certain industries. Not all people want this in their lives.
- For any chance of high reward, there is a also a risk of failure/loss. This side is often forgotten and a one-sided view of ownership is often romanticised.
- Thus I think a popular discussion of this topic needs to be infused with a more realistic view of reality.
These are factors that play a role and should add to a more nuanced discussion: - Ownership also implies responsibilities and risk. There might be capital risks or surety needed for certain industries. Not all people want this in their lives. - For any chance of high reward, there is a also a risk of failure/loss. This side is often forgotten and a one-sided view of ownership is often romanticised. - Thus I think a popular discussion of this topic needs to be infused with a more realistic view of reality.