At Kaiser Permanente, we know that health, economic opportunity, and wealth are linked, and small businesses create vital jobs and thriving local economies. During the last 2 recessions, employee-owned enterprises experienced 50% fewer layoffs and consistently outperformed traditionally owned firms. Furthermore, a 2020 study by the Employee Ownership Foundation and Rutgers University School of Management and Labor Relations found that employee-owned companies have been 3 to 4 times more likely to retain workers during the pandemic compared with traditional companies. Employee-owned companies report faster growth, less turnover, and greater recession resilience while the employees themselves, who share ownership in their company, report greater income and wealth.
