Surveys Show Strong Preference for Employee-Owned Products and Services

Summary

A poll conducted June 27-28, 2016, by Public Policy Polling showed that 68% of those surveyed say that they “support the concept of companies being owned by their employees so that all workers share in their success.” Just 13% oppose the idea, while 19% are unsure. The poll was performed for Employee-owned S Corporations of America, an organization promoting the interests of companies organized as S corporations and having an employee stock ownership plan (ESOP).

The poll also found that 58% of Americans would support legislation that makes it easier for employees to own a part of the business where they work and 50 percent of Americans think the government should do more to encourage the growth of employee-owned companies. Generally, support is highest among Democrats and those identifying as liberal, but pluralities of most groups are supportive. Younger people are somewhat more supportive than older people.