This is the second part of our series on employee shares and the concrete benefits they offer—for both employees and the company.
Employee share ownership creates tangible advantages for employees:
Financial participation: Employees directly benefit from the company’s success.
Right to participate: As shareholders, employees have the right to attend shareholders’ meetings, submit motions, and vote on key decisions.
Security and trust: Employee shares strengthen the bond between the workforce and the company—an essential foundation for long-term success.
What Employee Shares Mean for the Company
For rising systems, employee share ownership delivers clear strategic benefits:
Stability: Responsibility is spread across many shoulders, making the company more resilient.
Long-term perspective: Decisions are made in the interest of the workforce—not dictated by external investors.
Innovation: Employees who think and decide like owners actively drive new ideas and creative solutions.
“When the people who work every day for the success of rising systems are also co-owners, an entirely different dynamic emerges,” explains Sebastian Witzmann. “Employee shares strengthen the bond between the company and its employees—and everyone benefits from that. Employees who see the company as something they partly own are more motivated. They help shape decisions and think more entrepreneurially. They are not just employees, but co-creators of the company.”
What Happens Without Employee Shares?
A company without employee ownership is inevitably more dependent on individuals or external investors. “Imagine all shares were in my hands alone,” says Witzmann. “What happens if something happens to me or I leave the company? Continuing the business would be much more difficult. With shares in employee hands, the company becomes more stable and less dependent on individuals.”
This model also minimizes external influence.
“An external investor or heir with interests that differ from those of our employees would inevitably lead to a break with our values and goals. Our employees and our values are core elements of rising systems’ DNA. This model ensures that our company remains independent in the future and stays on the course that defines us. That sends a strong signal—to our employees, our customers, and our partners.”
Employee Shares as a Shared Project
Introducing employee shares is a collective effort. Sebastian Witzmann is convinced: “This model only works if we implement it as a team. Transparency, open communication, and the opportunity to ask questions are essential. For our employees, this means: we don’t leave anyone alone. From introduction to implementation, the company supports employees with guidance and advice.”
Das Unternehmen steht den Mitarbeitenden von der Einführung bis zur Umsetzung beratend zur Seite."
A Win for All Involved
“Employee shares are an example of economic common sense,” Witzmann concludes.
“They create a sustainable corporate culture, increase motivation, and strengthen the long-term stability of rising systems. At the same time, employees benefit from direct participation in the company’s success. Employee shares are a step toward a sustainable, collaborative future. They allow us to remain stable as a company, act innovatively, and keep people at the center—those who make rising systems what it is.”
“We want to show that business can be done differently,” Witzmann adds. “With transparency, trust, and shared responsibility.”
References
- Employee Share Ownership in Germany, Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs (BMAS), 2023
- Study on the Impact of Employee Share Ownership, German Institute for Equity Ownership, 2022.
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