Employee Ownership
Trusts (EOTs)
An Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) is a trust that holds some or all of the shares of a company on behalf of the employees. An EOT ensures employees have a share in profits, a voice in governance, and that the mission of the business — and its jobs — can be preserved for generations to come.
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How it Works
Step 1
Purpose Trust Creation
The company sets up a trust, which holds company shares on behalf of employees.
Step 2
Governance Creation
Business owners work with EOT experts to create governance policies that help define organization goals into the future.
Step 3
Employee Benefits
Shares are allocated to employees based on factors such as salary or tenure.
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Benefits of EOTs
Share in the profits and financial success of the business
Improved job satisfaction and security
Flexible structure that can be designed to
fit the specific goals of each business
Long-term preservation of company values and culture
Option to protect the company from future sale and preserve the employee ownership structure
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Case Study: Workers to Owners
Métis Construction
Métis Construction, based in Seattle, Washington, transitioned to an Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) in 2015. The founder previously worked alongside his employees as an independent contractor and saw ownership as a way to scale sustainably while ensuring accountability to its worker-owners in perpetuity. This case highlights how EOTs can provide a mission-driven, accessible path to employee ownership, particularly in industries like construction, where workforce retention and business resilience are key.
