Your assumption that you need to pay employees less to see more return is over simplified. Plus the fact that most people who own the stock probably don't even realize it, they are just part of a large pension or mutual fund.

The truth is an employee is as much if not more of a stake holder in the company than a shareholder of the company. Concessions is just for the largest singular shareholders (top level brass) to cash in on their stock, options etc. All the folks invested via large funds will see pennies if that. It's a wealth transfer plain and simple.