Total Rewards
Using compensation and benefits strategically to retain talent, control costs, and drive organizational performance.
FEATURED RESEARCH:
2025 SHRM Employee Benefits Survey Report
A comprehensive annual survey of HR professionals capturing the prevalence of benefits across a wide range of offerings.
Government Shutdown 2025
What You Need to Know
The latest government shutdown is impacting federal workers and organizations nationwide. Visit our resource hub for expert analysis, actionable guidance, and member-exclusive support. Stay informed, protect your workforce, and lead with confidence.
The Importance of Benefits
Compensation and benefits are among the largest expenses for any organization — but when managed strategically, they deliver outsized returns in retention and engagement. HR leaders who design effective rewards systems reduce turnover, attract top talent, and align workforce motivation with business objectives. 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
45%
the median share of operating expenses attributed to salaries in 2025, up from 40.9% 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
Explore 2025 HR trends, from skills-based hiring and AI's role to people analytics and financial wellness. Discover how adaptability drives workforce success.
For working mothers, employer support can mean the difference between barely surviving and fully thriving in the workplace.
Research finds nearly 4 in 10 employers are planning or considering adding lifestyle spending accounts by 2025. WTW’s Sara Taylor talks about growing employer interest, why it’s happening, how employees benefit and what employers need to know.
Even though benefits satisfaction has kicked up over the past year, MetLife’s annual U.S. Employee Benefit Trends study underscores an “urgent need” for employers to take more steps to acknowledge employee challenges, revisit benefits.
Week one plays a critical role in how new hires perceive your organization. This culture first onboarding guide shares practical ways to create a first-week experience that builds connection, confidence, and belonging, starting day one.
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
The end of the calendar year brings more than employee performance reviews and holiday celebrations. Administering employee benefit plans can mean daunting year-end to-do lists. We've compiled resources to help and we will continue to monitor for additional checklists.
FMLA medical leave covers many examples of serious health conditions. Learn what is and isn’t eligible, from chronic conditions to pregnancy-related absences.