Stock compensation gives Big Tech workers a powerful reason to stay. Layoffs and the AI boom are changing the equation.

Big Tech workers say stock compensation can make leaving difficult, but layoffs, AI startups, and years of stock gains are changing the calculus.

Source: [Business Insider](https://www.businessinsider.com/big-tech-stock-compensation-golden-handcuffs-equity-google-apple-microsoft-2026-9)