By: Hannah Scott

Today’s workplace buzzes with employees who crave more than just a paycheck. Everyone, from the newest intern to the seasoned CEO, is eager to feel connected to a greater purpose.

Employees are looking for ways to contribute, which builds pride and a sense of belonging. On the other hand, employers are working hard to nurture an environment where each person’s impact on the company’s achievements is clear and valued. This perfect blend of personal investment and collective success truly comes to life in an employee-owned company (EOC).

This ownership does more than just get people to clock into work; it transforms them into proactive stakeholders of the company. “When everyone has a stake, the entire team not only sees the big picture but actively contributes to it,” notes Jason Rigoli, a construction industry expert and owner of Geometric Construction Services LLC.

Geometric Construction Services LLC, led by Jason Rigoli, stands out in the construction industry as an employee-owned firm. This unique structure ensures everyone, from the ground crew to the project managers, is invested in the company’s success. 

As co-owners, employees have skin in the game, which drives them to think up smart, efficient, and cost-effective construction solutions. Being involved in the company’s success creates a sense of answerability and a duty to quality. 

So, how does the employee-owned model actually work? 

Typically, companies offer shares to employees, making them part-owners. This setup directly links their personal financial health with the company’s performance. As a result, everyone starts pulling together, not just to do their job but to lift the whole company higher. Shared ownership creates a culture of collaboration and transformation, making the workplace a hub of motivated individuals eager to drive the company forward.

In Rigoli’s company, we see this model in action. By empowering his team as co-owners, they go beyond the typical 9-to-5 mindset. They take on their roles with a sense of ownership, taking advantage of the outcomes of their efforts.

“Seeing the direct impact of your work on your own life changes the game,” Rigoli explains. This approach boosts employee morale and enhances the company’s performance in the competitive market.

Indeed, numbers speak loudly: adopting an employee ownership model can boost productivity by 4-5% in its first year. Rigoli has witnessed this firsthand. “Our team’s dedication to our projects skyrocketed because everyone understood that good work leads to personal and collective rewards,” he shares. It’s clear that when employees think like owners, everyone aims higher.

But shifting to an employee-owned model isn’t just flipping a switch; it’s more like planting a garden. It requires significant upfront investment—time and money—and crafting a fair and sustainable ownership structure. 

Imagine designing a system that perfectly fits your company’s unique needs and resonates with every employee. This involves detailed legal and financial planning and, crucially, educating everyone on what true ownership means.

One of the trickiest parts is that there’s no one-size-fits-all solution; each company must navigate its own complex path. But despite these challenges, when executed well, this model can transform a typical workplace into a thriving ecosystem where everyone is genuinely invested and motivated to see their collective efforts succeed.

Rigoli’s company tackles these hurdles by prioritizing clear communication and ongoing education about the benefits and responsibilities of being a shareholder. This transparency helps smooth out the bumps in the transition process.

The journey to an employee-owned structure might be complex, but the advantages are undeniable. Companies like Rigoli’s see improvements in their output and culture and forge a workforce that’s engaged and personally invested in the company’s future. 

This approach turns everyday employees into passionate partners, proving that a shared ownership model can significantly enrich both the workplace atmosphere and the company’s bottom line.

Published by: Holy Minoza