How to Discuss an Equity Refresh in English
Learn the English phrases for asking about an equity refresh grant, understanding vesting terms, and negotiating the size and timing with your manager or HR.
Equity refreshes are less standardized than base salary raises, and the vocabulary around vesting, cliffs, and grant timing trips up even fluent speakers unfamiliar with the specifics. Non-native speakers often either avoid the topic entirely or ask about it too vaguely to get a useful answer. This guide gives you the English to raise, understand, and negotiate an equity refresh conversation.
Raising the Topic
Bring up a refresh proactively, tying it to a specific milestone like tenure, a strong review, or original grant nearing full vesting.
- “As my original grant is nearing the end of its vesting schedule, I wanted to check in about whether a refresh is something we can discuss.”
- “Given the scope I’ve taken on over the past year, I’d like to talk about whether an equity refresh makes sense alongside my performance review.”
- “I know refreshes aren’t always automatic here — can you help me understand how the process typically works?”
Understanding the Terms
Ask specific questions about vesting mechanics rather than accepting a headline number without context.
- “Is this refresh grant subject to a new four-year vesting schedule, or does it layer on top of my existing one?”
- “Does this grant include a one-year cliff, or does vesting start immediately given that I’m already established here?”
- “Could you clarify whether this is valued at the current share price or the price at my original grant?”
Evaluating the Offer
Compare the refresh to your original grant and market context rather than judging it in isolation.
- “Compared to my original grant, this refresh feels modest given how much my scope has grown — can we talk through how it was calculated?”
- “How does this refresh compare to what’s typical for someone at my level and tenure, based on your internal benchmarks?”
- “I want to understand the full picture — is there a target total compensation number this refresh is meant to bring me toward?”
Negotiating the Size or Timing
Push back specifically and calmly if the refresh feels insufficient, the same way you would with a salary conversation.
- “Given my current scope and the market data I’ve reviewed, I was expecting something closer to X — is there room to revisit this figure?”
- “If the size isn’t flexible right now, is there room to move up the timing of the next review cycle instead?”
- “I’d like to understand what would need to be true — in terms of scope or performance — for a larger refresh to make sense next cycle.”
Following Up in Writing
Confirm the final terms in writing, including vesting start date and cliff details.
- “Thanks for confirming the refresh terms — to summarize, this is [X shares/units], vesting over [Y years] starting [date], with a [Z-month] cliff.”
- “Could you send the official grant paperwork once it’s finalized so I have the exact terms on file?”
Vocabulary Reference
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Equity refresh | An additional equity grant given to an existing employee, on top of their original grant |
| Vesting schedule | The timeline over which granted equity becomes fully owned by the employee |
| Cliff | An initial period (often one year) during which no equity vests, followed by a jump |
| Strike price | The fixed price at which stock options can be exercised, for option-based equity |
| Total compensation | The combined value of base salary, bonus, and equity |
Key Takeaways
- Raise a refresh proactively, tying it to a specific milestone like a review or original grant nearing full vesting.
- Ask specific questions about vesting schedule and cliff rather than judging the headline number alone.
- Compare the refresh to your original grant and level-appropriate benchmarks, not in isolation.
- Push back specifically on size or timing using the same calm, evidence-based tone as a salary negotiation.
- Confirm the final vesting schedule and cliff details in writing once agreed.