Employees Stock Option Scheme and Sweat Equity Shares are two methods of issuing shares by a company to its employees and also can increase the share capital of the Company.

As per Section 2(37) of the Companies Act, 2013 employees stock option means the option given to the directors, officers or employees of a company or of its holding company or subsidiary company or companies, if any, which gives such directors, officers or employees, the benefit or right to purchase, or to subscribe for, the shares of the company at a future date at a pre-determined price.

As per Section 2(88) of the Companies Act, 2013 Sweat Equity Shares means that such equity shares as are issued by a company to its directors or employees at a discount or for consideration, other than cash for providing them know how or making available rights in the nature of intellectual property rights or values addition, by whatever name called.