Total Rewards
Using compensation and benefits strategically to retain talent, control costs, and drive organizational performance.
FEATURED RESEARCH:
2026 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey Report
A comprehensive annual survey of HR professionals capturing the prevalence of benefits across a wide range of offerings.
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The Importance of Benefits
Compensation and benefits are among the largest expenses for organizations, but when managed strategically, they deliver outsized returns in retention and engagement. HR leaders who design effective rewards systems reduce turnover and attract top talent. Total rewards is more than pay, it's a business lever for maximizing workforce ROI.
Member OnlyLooking to design pay and benefits that attract and retain talent?
Ask a SHRM Knowledge Advisor or insights on building competitive total rewards.
Key Data Trends
49%
the median share of operating expenses attributed to salaries in 2026, up from 41% in 2022, making compensation and benefits a major organizational cost
61%
of HR pros say competitive compensation is very or extremely effective for retaining deskless workers
56%
of HR professionals report ongoing challenges in retaining deskless workers, emphasizing the importance of total rewards strategies for reducing turnover
SHRM Total Rewards Specialty Credential
Design competitive compensation and benefits programs that boost employee engagement with the SHRM Total Rewards Specialty Credential.
Latest News
Employers are pulling back on GLP-1 coverage as healthcare costs soar. Here’s why more companies are rethinking weight-loss drug benefits.
New federal guidance gives employers breathing room on tobacco wellness programs, saying plans won’t face enforcement for skipping retroactive rewards.
Cost and affordability concerns now rank among the top contributors to workplace incivility, according to SHRM. Experts explain what HR professionals can do.
Find out how Ally Financial uses employee feedback to shape its benefits strategy, from family support to menopause care, while boosting engagement.
Design Rewards That Deliver
SHRM membership provides insights on compensation, benefits, and pay transparency that attract talent and reduce turnover.
Become a SHRM Member and build a total rewards strategy that works.
Member Resources
Optimize leave of absence (LOA) processes with SHRM's expert guide on the FMLA, ADA, and USERRA. Ensure HR compliance and effective documentation practices.
Enhance workforce stability with effective retention programs focused on motivation, engagement, and strategic HR practices.
Improve your remote management skills with this quiz. Answer questions on work stress, self-care practices, home office standards, and more.
Simplify FMLA compliance using these spreadsheets with formulas for calculating employee paid and unpaid leave hours, FMLA hours used, and FMLA time remaining.