Some interesting links we found across the web this week:

Why Startup Equity Can Feel Like a Scam—and How Companies Can Fix it
Startup companies often include equity awards in their compensation packages to the employees. Equity awards create an incentive for employees to support the companies’ growth, as the employees benefit financially from the growth. However, employees often do not reap the benefits they deserve. For example, in 2020 alone, startup employees left behind $4.9 billion by not exercising their options before an IPO. This article highlights some of the characteristics of equity awards that employees need to know as well as the importance of companies to provide more education on their employees on equity.

3 Ways to Avoid Entrepreneur Burnout
Hustling 24/7 might allow entrepreneurs to reach their short-term goals, but down the road, burnout will creep in. Constantly burning the midnight oil could eventually lead down a path into complete exhaustion, limited to no sleep and loss of interest and energy. This article lists out the three ways that entrepreneurs can use to avoid burnout.

Research: What Makes Employees Feel Empowered to Speak Up?
Empowering employees to voice their opinions can often help companies innovate and uncover their own shortcomings. However, this understanding does not seem to translate into action. Research shows that over 85% of employees remain silent on crucial matters because they worry about being viewed negatively. Employees’ likelihood of exercising their voice is heavily influenced by the corporate culture they’re immersed in. This article highlights the importance of creating an environment that fosters participation for employees to exercise their voice.

To Retain Employees, Give Them a Sense of Purpose and Community
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 15 million people quit their jobs since April in the United States alone. Microsoft’s recent research suggests that 41% of workers across the world are thinking about quitting their jobs. Leaders determined to stem the tide of talent defections by simply throwing money or perks at the problem could be surprised to learn they’re barking up the wrong tree. This article explains how giving employees a sense of purpose and community would help companies to retain their employees.