EHS International aligns employee equity with talent strategy

EHS International, an Irish consultancy providing training, fire and rescue, recruitment, and support services, is leveraging employee equity to strengthen staff retention and attract top talent. The firm has made 62 employees and contractors official shareholders as part of a newly launched share scheme, giving them a direct financial stake in the business.

Up to a quarter of the company’s value will be allocated to staff across five phases from 2025 to 2029. The initiative is designed to futureproof the workforce, foster loyalty, and ensure smaller firms can compete effectively for high-calibre talent against multinational companies.

Founder Chris Mee explained the rationale: “For smaller firms like us at EHS International, culture has to be real and it has to be lived every day. We cannot compete with multinationals by trying to match them on pay alone. Staff can influence decisions and if someone performs well and shows commitment, they are noticed quickly and their effort is acknowledged.”

He added: “The decision to bring over 60 colleagues in as co-owners was not symbolic. It was a statement that contribution matters and that long-term commitment will always be rewarded in a meaningful way. We endorse the motto 'acknowledge effort, reward results'.”

The company’s approach combines equity with professional development, career progression, competitive pay, work-life balance, and supportive management.

“Equity creates real engagement, shared ownership and commitment. It also allows smaller firms to compete for high-calibre talent who want more than just a payslip. They want involvement and ownership,” Mee said.

EHS International’s strategy highlights a holistic HR approach where financial incentives, training, mentorship, and internal promotion opportunities integrate to retain skilled employees in a tight labour market.

Explore how EHS International is redefining HR strategy for small and medium enterprises.