--- title: "How to use options to attract and retain top talent" id: "424990" type: "post" slug: "options-to-attract-and-retain-talent" published_at: "2025-10-22T10:34:34+00:00" modified_at: "2025-10-22T12:34:34+00:00" url: "https://seedlegals.com/resources/options-to-attract-and-retain-talent/" markdown_url: "https://seedlegals.com/resources/options-to-attract-and-retain-talent.md" excerpt: "In this webinar, SeedLegals’ Aaron Duke and Ijaz Aflah explain how option schemes help startups attract and keep top talent. From EMI vs unapproved options to vesting and tax benefits, get the practical advice you need to set up your..." taxonomy_category: - "Video Zone" --- 2 min read Expert reviewed This article has been fact-checked by a SeedLegals subject matter expert. [Meet our experts](https://seedlegals.com/authors-and-experts/) and learn more about our review process and quality assurance in our [editorial policy](https://seedlegals.com/editorial-policy/) . # How to use options to attract and retain top talent Published: Oct 22, 2025 Contents [Key takeaways](#key-takeaways) [Talk to our team](#talk-to-our-team) [Co-Founder & CEO Anthony Rose Co-Founder and CEO](https://seedlegals.com/resources/author/anthony/) Startups often can’t compete with big-company salaries, which makes hiring (and keeping) the best people feel almost impossible. Without the right incentives, founders risk losing top talent to better-funded competitors. That’s where share option schemes come in. In this webinar, SeedLegals’ [Aaron Duke](https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaron-duke-013530167/) and [Ijaz Aflah](https://www.linkedin.com/in/ijaz-aflah/) break down how EMI and unapproved option schemes can help founders attract, motivate and retain the people who’ll grow the business. From setting up the right vesting structure to making the most of EMI tax advantages, they explain how offering equity can level the playing field for early-stage companies. In this session, they share practical insights from helping hundreds of startups set up their option schemes. Expect clear answers on time vs milestone vesting, EMI eligibility, and what to consider when setting up your option pool. ## **Key takeaways** ### **Why Options Matter** - Startups can’t always match market salaries. Options can make up that gap for employees who want to join you on your mission. - Giving equity creates a sense of ownership that motivates and retains your team. - The right scheme reduces turnover and keeps your best people focused on growth. ### **EMI vs. Unapproved Options** - EMI options: tax-efficient, designed for UK-based employees and directors at smaller companies. - Unapproved options: flexible, for advisors, consultants and international hires, but with fewer tax perks. Learn more about unapproved options [here](https://seedlegals.com/resources/unapproved-share-options) - Many companies use both: EMI for the core team, unapproved for everyone else. ### How to Structure Your Scheme - A well-designed scheme boosts productivity, loyalty and company value. - Time-based vesting (usually 4 years with a 1-year cliff) is the standard for retention. - Milestone vesting ties equity to performance goals, while time-based vesting rewards loyalty. Accelerated vesting aligns your team with exit goals. - Plan ahead for valuations to keep option grants tax-efficient and fair for your team. ## Talk to our team Got questions about share option schemes? Want to set one up for your company? We’d love to help. Book a free call below. Related articles [– EMI or Unapproved Share Option Scheme – which is best?](https://seedlegals.com/resources/emi-or-unapproved-share-option-scheme-which-is-best-for-you/) [– Share option pool: what it is and how to set it up](https://seedlegals.com/resources/share-option-pool/) ## Related posts [1 min read Meet Lawrence, your SeedLegals AI copilot “Create a SeedFAST for a £100,000 investment. Send it to Alice. Use my standard terms.” “What percent... Anthony Rose](https://seedlegals.com/resources/meet-lawrence-your-seedlegals-ai-copilot/) [2 min read What’s hot? The planet with or without Habla’s eco-friendly kilns? Peter Habla, founder of Habla Kilns, replaces traditional kilns with a fresh, sustainable alternative – the Zig Zag Kiln... Erin Deasy](https://seedlegals.com/resources/habla-kilns-interview/) [2 min read You’re techy, not finance-y – my finance team can help with that my finance team Client Manager Matt Tucker walks through the finance fixes that SeedLegals customers can use with this n... Erin Deasy](https://seedlegals.com/resources/partner-interviews-my-finance-team/)