Reliance Jio reportedly planning ESOPs for its employees

After rolling out offers galore for its customers, Mukesh Ambani’s Reliance Jio is now planning to roll out stock options for its employees aimed at retaining talent as well as rewarding the swift pace at which subscribers are being added to Jio network.

Citing sources, an Economic Times report said stock options programme is currently under planning phase and could be rolled out later this year.

Apparently, the company will initially introduce stock options only for senior executives, another person familiar with the matter said. Jio's parent Reliance Industries too, has discussed with compensation experts, the option of ESOPs for senior executives.

"In the case of Jio, the percentage may be similar to the parent firm. But since Jio is unlisted, it could be given in the form of stock appreciation rights," the head of a compensation consulting company, told ET.

From Bharti Airtel to Idea to Vodafone, all leading telecom operators have employee stock option (ESOPs) plans.

In October, Jio had handed out 7-15 percent increments to junior and middle-level employees and 5-10 percent of seniors - slightly better than the industry average of 7-12 percent.