Eni, one of Italy’s leading hydrocarbon companies, has announced the implementation of a share ownership program for its employees to enhance their integration into the company. This plan, which began in 2024, involves distributing over three million free shares to employees in Italy. It marks the first phase, covering more than 22,000 workers.
In a statement, the group highlighted the remarkable success of this initiative, with an acceptance rate exceeding 95%. Each employee will receive shares worth 2,000 euros, along with annual dividends distributed by Eni starting in 2025.
Gradual extension to international operations
The initiative is not limited to Italy. Starting in 2025, the plan will gradually extend to Eni’s international subsidiaries. This approach aims to unify the group’s workforce globally and solidify their commitment. Concurrently, Eni will introduce a co-investment method in 2026. This method allows employees to receive free shares equivalent to 50% of the value of purchased shares, with a cap set at 1,000 euros.
A model inspiring other companies
With this program, Eni positions itself as one of the first Italian companies to propose a share ownership plan of this scale. This strategy reflects a commitment to increased employee accountability and the adoption of a participatory model. The company seeks to reinforce the connection between its global performance and the individual contributions of its employees.
Other Italian companies have embraced this trend, such as Ferrari, which announced in 2023 a plan to allocate free shares to 5,000 employees as part of an agreement providing a total budget of ten million euros. Such initiatives illustrate the shared goal of major companies to motivate their workforce with innovative compensation models.
Economic context and prospects
Despite an economic context marked by falling oil prices, which halved Eni’s net profits during the first nine months of 2024, the group remains committed to its employees. Eni’s stock, traded on the Milan Stock Exchange, was valued at 13.38 euros on Thursday morning. Beyond its immediate financial benefits for employees, this share ownership program aims to strengthen the group’s competitiveness and cohesion.
