Equity excites candidates and confuses them six months later. Communication is compliance: plain mechanics, no return promises, counsel for tax.
#Two-touch minimum
Offer packet: what the grant is, cliff date, vest schedule. Cliff week: exercise options, tax topics, who to ask.
#Stay mechanical
Describe timelines and documents; avoid predicting value. Pair with finance and counsel-approved language.
#Related guides
Sources
- U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Employee Stock Options
- Society for Human Resource Management. Executive Compensation
This article is operational education only—not legal advice. Work with qualified counsel for compliance, compensation, and termination decisions in your jurisdiction.