What is described as non-cash compensation that may include ownership in the company or restricted stocks?

The term describing non-cash compensation that may include ownership in the company or restricted stocks is equity. Equity typically refers to shares or ownership interests in a company. This form of compensation aligns employees’ interests with the company's performance, as the value of the equity can increase with the company's success.

When employees receive equity as part of their compensation package, it can motivate them to work towards the company's growth since their personal financial gain is directly tied to the company's performance. Restricted stock units (RSUs) are a common form of equity compensation, where employees receive shares that are subject to certain restrictions, often based on their continued employment or the company achieving specific performance goals.

In contrast, commission is a performance-based compensation linked directly to sales, piece work refers to pay based on the amount of work completed, and salary is a fixed regular payment, often expressed on an annual basis, which does not have the investment or ownership aspect of equity.