By Amy Bowler and Beth Nedrow ( September 14, 2018, 4:21 PM EDT) -- Recently the headlines are full of statistics and anecdotes about the difficulty employers face finding and retaining employees. In this competitive market, employers want to be sure they are offering the most competitive benefits package they can. Aside from the traditional retirement plan and medical benefit offerings, some employers may find value in offering creative stock bonus and compensation programs like stock options, restricted stock, and other equity-type arrangements. Stock compensation can often provide both short-term and long-term incentives to employees. But, just like every other compensation and benefits program, stock programs trigger a multitude of legal rules and restrictions. This article addresses three sources of federal law that must be kept in mind when designing and implementing a stock compensation program — the Internal Revenue Code, ERISA and securities laws....