This week IR Magazine reported on Broadridge's Proxy Season 2021 Investor Sentiment Study. According to IR Magazine, almost half (46%) of retail investors aged 25-40 say they plan to vote their proxy in 2021, a figure researchers say is the highest for any generation.

The survey also found that investors are specifically paying attention to ESG issues. Survey respondents said that social issues, such as diversity and environmental issues are the two matters they are most interested in expressing their opinion on through proxy voting. 67% percent of investors surveyed believe that companies they invest in should take active steps to address environmental concerns, such as climate change, and 62% believe those companies should address social challenges, such as gender, ethnic, and racial diversity and inclusion.

Additionally, the study showed that respondents with two years or less of investing experience are the most active traders, with 43% trading at least once a week. Their investment decisions largely stem from information they receive from reading or watching the news (35%), friends (34%), family (31%) and social media (30%).

Engagement with retail shareholders will continue to be of significant importance around proxy time. However, what is even more important for companies is to engage with their shareholders year round. Stockperks can assist companies with this engagement and allow for them to control their own narrative.