Disney is set to introduce an Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP) in 2027, giving eligible employees an opportunity to purchase company shares at a discount.
According to an internal memo circulated on August 19, the program is expected to launch later in 2027, subject to the necessary approvals. Under stock purchase plans of this type, employees are generally able to buy shares at a price below the prevailing market value, potentially allowing them to build an ownership stake in the company.
However, Disney has not yet finalized important details, including exactly which employees will qualify for the program and how the plan will operate.
Eric Chaisson, Disney’s executive vice president of Total Rewards and Employee Services, said the company is still working through the details of the initiative.
The announcement comes at a challenging period for Disney’s stock. The company’s share price has declined by about 8% over the past year and 38% over the past five years, according to the information provided in the report.
The stock plan could therefore give employees an additional opportunity to participate in the company’s future performance while potentially strengthening their connection to the business.
Health insurance benefits also changing
Alongside the stock purchase plan, Disney is making significant changes to its healthcare benefits.
Beginning in 2027, spouses and domestic partners of eligible employees will generally qualify for Disney-sponsored health coverage only if they are unable to obtain health insurance through their own employer.
The change reflects a wider trend among large employers as companies attempt to control the rapidly increasing cost of providing healthcare benefits to workers and their families.
A Disney spokesperson said the company is making “measured adjustments” to its benefits program in response to rising healthcare costs across the country.
The changes could affect employees who currently rely on Disney’s health insurance to cover a spouse or domestic partner who has access to coverage through another workplace.
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Employees will need to actively select plans
Disney is also changing how employees enroll in benefits for 2027.
Unlike previous years, nearly all employees will be required to actively select their healthcare plans and re-enroll their dependents. This means workers will need to review their available options rather than simply relying on their previous selections.
The move is particularly important because employees whose circumstances have changed may need to update their coverage, including information about spouses and dependents.
Disney expands employee wellness support
Despite the healthcare changes, Disney is also expanding several employee wellness initiatives.
The company plans to add three new Centres for Living Well, which provide employees with access to health and wellbeing services. Disney is also doubling the number of counselling sessions available through its Employee Assistance Program.
The additional mental health and wellness resources are intended to provide greater support for employees as the company adjusts other parts of its benefits package.
Overall, Disney’s changes reflect the balancing act facing major employers: controlling rising healthcare expenses while continuing to offer benefits that can help attract and retain workers. The proposed stock purchase program, meanwhile, could give eligible employees a direct financial interest in the company as Disney works through a changing business environment.
