On December 14, 2025, news emerged that OpenAI had informed its employees about the discontinuation of the policy mandating a "six - month service period for equity to vest."

Back in April of the same year, the company had already taken a step to shorten the equity vesting period for new recruits. Traditionally, in the industry, this period stood at 12 months, but OpenAI reduced it to 6 months. Now, with this latest modification, new employees will start receiving equity as soon as they step through the company's doors.

It's worth noting that Musk's xAI rolled out a comparable policy this past summer. The head of OpenAI's applied business division explained that the primary goal behind this move is to inspire new employees to innovate fearlessly. By doing away with the vesting period, it also aims to put an end to their worries regarding potential lay - offs before they can get their hands on their first tranche of equity.