Is a grant an option? No. A grant is a grant. The employee isn't buying the stock at some price. The employee is being paid in equity with a grant. It's stock t

Is a grant an option? No. A grant is a grant. The employee isn't buying the stock at some price. The employee is being paid in equity with a grant. It's stock that's been issued in lieu of higher salaries. And yes, if an employee gets a grant vested you must fulfill the grant even if the employee leaves after vesting. You can't just hire people and refuse to pay their compensation.