ESPP Adoption Varies Across Industries Amid Growing Employer Interest

The majority of employers in the United States offer an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP), according to a recent report by Goldman Sachs. In 2026, 52% of surveyed companies had ESPPs in place, with the most common plan structure being Qualified Section 423 plans.

The adoption rate varies across industries, with Technology, Media, and Telecommunications employers leading the way at 68%. The Real Estate sector lags behind, with only 17% offering ESPPs. Employers consider factors such as ownership culture, participation rates, company expense, and employee cash flow when deciding whether to offer ESPPs.

The eligibility criteria for ESPPs also differ among employers. While the most common metric used is hours worked per week (36%), tenure is another frequently employed limitation (32%). Employers often prefer administrative simplicity by applying a single metric to limit participation eligibility, with 50% of plans reviewed doing so.