The troops are no doubt restive at top Wall Street firms. It's tough to get any work done when the job axe is swinging. The Financial Times reports that Lehman Brothers has given shares to all remaining employees, representing about 20 percent of their projected equity compensation for the year--an early payment. In return, they will use more stock in total compensation. So from a morale perspective, the move is likely a wash. I think the top executives would be wise to take an additional step and commit a fair amount of their personal wealth to the stock right now. Forgoing a bonus is one thing, but to invest tens of millions of their own dough in the stock right now would send a strong message. If Lehman can get through the crisis, it will have been worth it.  

For more:
- here's the FT article

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