Recent Fortune coverage of Gen Z’s misery paints a stark picture. Employees report some of the lowest levels of influence over their pay, working conditions, and important workplace decisions. These “voice gaps” span every industry, leaving the newest generation of American workers feeling unheard in the places that depend most on their ideas and energy. 

The findings are deeply disconcerting. Many of these young workers describe a workplace where advancement is uncertain, loyalty rarely pays off, and burnout is standard.  

It isn’t surprising, then, that Gallup reported earlier this year that worker engagement, the involvement and enthusiasm employees feel toward their work and workplace, across the country has fallen to its lowest point in nearly a decade, with Gen Z workers experiencing the sharpest decline. Helping these workers find purpose in their work is not just good for morale, it is essential for the future of the American economy. 

For thousands of companies, and potentially tens of thousands more, employee ownership can be an effective way to address this issue. By giving workers an ownership stake in their companies, employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs) give employees an ownership interest in their company that builds throughout their careers, creating a financial stake for them in the long-term success of the business. The idea echoes a growing sentiment from people like Mark Cuban and KKR’s Peter Stavros, who have said that employees deserve a piece of the value they create, and that this alignment between workers and their companies is great for business too.  

Give employees a stake in what they build, and everything changes. They care more, stay longer, and work harder because the company’s success is their own. 

The numbers speak for themselves. Employee-owners are far more likely to feel valued at work, and that sense of recognition makes a significant difference in the workforce. The median employee tenure at employee-owned companies is about 50 percent higher than at traditional firms, reflecting the loyalty that ownership inspires.  

For younger workers, the difference is even more striking. Surveys of millennial and Gen Z employee-owners found that they are significantly more likely to feel engaged in their work, believe their opinions matter, and see opportunities to grow in their careers. In other words, the same generation that national surveys describe as disconnected is thriving in workplaces where ownership gives them a voice and a vested interest in success. 

If this model delivers such clear results, the question becomes why there are not more companies doing it.  

Awareness remains the biggest barrier. Workers rarely hear about it, and business owners often lack the tools to pursue it. That gap has kept one of the most effective models for engagement and success from reaching its potential.

That may change. In Congress, a growing number of lawmakers from both parties have recognized the promise of employee ownership and are working to make it more accessible. 

Bipartisan legislation in the House and Senate would make it easier for private businesses to adopt an ESOP model – something that is particularly exciting for the growing ranks of exiting baby boomer entrepreneurs.    

And while Gen Z workers aren’t necessarily big fans of their Baby Boomer counterparts, this is a way to bridge generations and create a win-win for both companies and their young workers.  Employee ownership offers a way give all workers a voice in the places where they spend most of their time, and a financial stake to see how their contributions matter. If the next generation is to learn to trust the idea that work can lead to stability and purpose, they need more than a paycheck. They need ownership.  

The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.

Idris Elba has extended his exclusive, global publishing agreement with Universal Music Publishing Group (UMPG).

Described by UMPG as an “adept songwriter, producer, musician, actor, director and DJ”, Elba broke into music with 2022 single Boasty (with Wiley, Stefflon Don and Sean Paul).

The track reached No.1 on the UK Indie Chart and No. 5 on the R&B Chart, and has recently surpassed 180 million streams.

He also released Vroom with The FaNaTiX, Lil TJay, Davido, Koffee and Moelego for Gran Turismo 7.

Elba has teamed with a number of artists, collaborating with Australian outfit Lime Cordiale for a sun-filled EP, Cordi Elba, as well as Defected, Dirtybird and Ultra.

UMPG noted that he is also the “powerhouse” behind his own labels, 7Wallace and Sound International, a house music label and live brand “dedicated to showcasing diverse sounds and stories from around the world”.

Since launching in November 2024, the label has hosted showcases at ADE, SXSW London, Glastonbury, Nairobi and Accra.

A “prolific” live performer, 2025 saw Idris play b2b with Kaskade at Coachella (having headline Yuma in previous years), four DJ sets across Glastonbury, and spend the summer taking over Ibiza with shows at Ibiza Rock, Hi, Ushuaïa and Pacha.

He’s scheduled to headline the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December, having performed at Silverstone earlier in the year.

“Writing brings me real joy — and having great people around only elevates the process.”

Idris Elba

Idris Elba said: “Excited to be working with David Gray, Pete Simmons, Lincoln Elias, and the team at UMPG. Writing brings me real joy — and having great people around only elevates the process.”

UMPG UK Head of A&R Pete Simmons, said: “People might think Idris is an actor who sometimes makes music, but in reality, he’s a songwriter who sometimes acts.

“People might think Idris is an actor who sometimes makes music, but in reality, he’s a songwriter who sometimes acts.”

Pete Simmons, UMPG 

Added Simmons: “His curiosity and commitment to his craft are inspiring and there aren’t many writers I’ve met who can deliver club records, amapiano records and melancholy folk records all in one WhatsApp group.”

“Idris is the rare writer and musician that moves easily between genres and can great create songs in every possible way.”

David Gray, UMPG

David Gray, Managing Director of UMPG UK and Head of Global A&R, added: “Idris is the rare writer and musician that moves easily between genres and can great create songs in every possible way.

“We are honored to be working with him to continue to build his already impressive music career.”

“Partnering with David, Pete, Lincoln & the team at UMPG has proven to be a great fit.”

Naval Shadi, Manager

Naval Shadi, Manager, said: “Partnering with David, Pete, Lincoln & the team at UMPG has proven to be a great fit. Idris brings bold creative energy, and it takes the right people to truly support that musically.

“As Idris continues to bridge his work in film and music, especially in the U.S & emerging markets, having experienced and global-minded partners is more important than ever.”Music Business Worldwide

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