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No longer just a subject for philosophers and poets, the pursuit of happiness has become part of the holistic approach to workplace harmony and productivity sought by many companies and their employees. Stock compensation can improve happiness—and it's about more than just recognizing gains.

UPDATES! The days of pocketing stock grant gains, leaving the company, and moving to a direct competitor may be over. Your company may put noncompete forfeiture provisions in your equity awards.

A down market provides ideal circumstances for negotiating a larger stake of equity compensation as part of your pay package. With companies looking to conserve cash and find effective ways to recruit, retain, and motivate executives and key employees, your interest in this type of compensation may be well received. This article explores the possibilities you may want to consider if this opportunity arises.

Podcast included! Get a sense of what you should, and should not, expect in the terms of your stock option grant. A major survey of companies looks at trends in vesting schedules, post-termination exercise rules, and other plan features.

Employees in startup companies often have misconceptions about their stock options and restricted stock. Understand what could happen to your stock options or restricted stock in venture capital financings, in an acquisition, or in an IPO. Part 1 looks at M&A deals; Part 2 analyzes IPOs.

How typical are your equity awards? Stock plan surveys let you compare the terms of your grants with the common practices of many companies. Part 1 focuses on types of equity award, reasons for making grants, vesting schedules, and option exercises.

How typical are your grants of stock options or restricted stock/RSUs? Stock plan surveys let you compare the terms of your grants with the common practices of many companies. Part 2 focuses on grant guidelines, option expiration, job termination, and corporate changes of control.

Changes in executive compensation and equity pay practices stemming from the downturn of 2008 and 2009 were extensive. In general, during the recovery the focus in stock compensation has shifted...

Unlike public companies or large private companies that may have grant guidelines, most private companies determine the grant size by a combination of factors. Surveys show that...

Not usually. An exception would occur if your...

If your skills are in great demand, employers may...

If a company makes a grant with a specific vesting schedule and the schedule is later shortened from its original terms, the accountants will usually...

During the early stages of a company's existence (e.g. up to the first round of venture financing) you may be able to get...