Equity compensation is one of the most complex areas of total rewards. The mechanics are technical, the reporting is extensive, and the audiences you serve – employees, leadership and the board – all expect different things.
Even with strong systems in place, it often falls to your team to make equity understandable, engaging and strategic.
That’s where artificial intelligence (AI) can help. Not by replacing your core platform, but by giving you a faster way to shape insights, prepare conversations and turn data into stories that resonate. AI can help you to create sharper board updates, more engaging employee narratives and clearer leadership conversations. Are you making the most of a Large Language Model (LLM) like ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or Copilot, to help with your day job?
Below are eight practical AI prompts designed for the real challenges of equity compensation leaders.
1. Board pack sharpener:
Prompt:
“Act as an equity compensation analyst. Summarize this 30-page grant analysis into a three-slide board update. Focus on employee uptake by level, forfeiture rates, and future cost outlook. Use concise bullet points and clear visuals.”
Why it’s useful: Boards want insights, not raw reports. This prompt helps you deliver clarity for effective decision-making.
2. Metrics into stories:
Prompt:
“Reframe this metric [insert metric / data] into three short narratives: (1) risk perspective, (2) opportunity perspective, (3) neutral / factual perspective. Keep each under 100 words.”
Why it’s useful: Numbers don’t speak for themselves. Rising forfeitures can look like disengagement. Low uptake can feel like an event has fallen flat. Having alternative framings ready helps you steer the narrative.
3. Tailored employee communications:
Prompt:
“Explain RSUs in three distinct tones: (1) for executives (strategic, concise), (2) for the broader workforce (engaging, plain-spoken), (3) for hiring managers (practical, persuasive for candidates). Limit each explanation to ~120 words.”
Why it’s useful: Equity compensation education or communication is never one-size-fits all. This helps you deliver the same facts in a language that feels relevant to and lands with each audience.
4. Global messaging without fragmentation:
Prompt:
“Adapt this global participation update [paste text] into three localized versions: (1) US – concise and results-oriented, (2) EMEA – contextual with governance framing, (3) APAC – forward-looking and aspirational. Keep the data identical across versions.”
Why it’s useful: Global consistency matters, but message positioning can vary by region. For instance, US executives might favor concise messaging, EMEA leaders may expect more context and APAC audiences can respond well to forward-looking language. AI can help flex the style without changing the facts.
5. Scenario storytelling for leadership:
Prompt:
“Using this data [insert uptake / forfeiture figures], draft a plain-languages narrative showing the impact if participation rises from 40% to 60%. Highlight retention benefits and cost trade-offs in under 200 words.”
Why it’s useful: Leaders ask ‘what if’ questions constantly. AI can quickly turn raw data into scenarios that illustrate both upsides and trade-offs.
6. Investor and analyst Q&A prep:
Prompt:
“Generate five likely investor / analyst questions based on this year’s share pool usage, expense recognition and participation rates. For each, draft a concise, confidence-building answer (<75 words) linking back to long-term value.”
Why it’s useful: Equity often surfaces in earnings calls. Use AI as a sparring partner to prepare executives with confident, clear responses.
7. Annual report drafting:
Prompt:
“Draft a 150-word section for an annual report. Link our reported RSU rollout and related expenses to shareholder alignment and long-term strategy. Write in a polished, professional, report-ready tone.”
Why it’s useful: Annual reports demand brevity and polish. AI can create strong first drafts, saving time for HR and communications teams.
8. Culture and engagement boosters:
Prompt:
“Write five short intranet headlines (<12 words each) using vesting data and key dates. Headlines should be engaging, action-oriented and encourage employees to log in and check their equity dashboard.”
Why it’s useful: Equity drives retention only if employees value it. Creative prompts help you cut through and remind people of the value at key moments.
How to use this cheat sheet
- Start small. Try one prompt for your next board update or employee communication.
- Review carefully. AI drafts fast, but your expertise ensures accuracy and compliance.
- Stay safe. Never upload sensitive company data into unapproved AI tools.
- Build your library. Keep the prompts that work and adapt them to repeatable workflows.
The bigger picture
Equity compensation will always be complex – but with the right tools, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Using AI to simplify reporting, sharpen narratives and tailor communications, helps free up time and widen your role as a strategic partner. By showing boards the impact, showing employees the value and showing leadership the bigger picture, you unlock the true potential of equity compensation.
This publication contains general information only and J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions is not, through this article, issuing any advice, be it legal, financial, tax-related, business-related, professional or other. J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions’ Insights is not a substitute for professional advice and should not be used as such. J.P. Morgan Workplace Solutions does not assume any liability for reliance on the information provided herein.
