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.
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.
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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 Total Rewards News & Insights
Catch up on the latest benefits and compensation news, including the announced limits for retirement accounts in 2026 and new alarming data on paid time off.
A drastic change is needed in how employers approach caregiving, experts say. Evolving workplace policies, training managers, and reframing how organizations view caregivers can help.
Support financial, mental, and physical well-being to build workforce stability. HR’s role is evolving to be a workforce sustainability architect.
Catch up on the latest benefits and compensation news, including Trump's GLP-1 deal, health cost increases, and an IRS update on reporting requirements.
One in 4 employees hasn't taken a single day of paid time off in the past year, new data finds. Experts say that's a big problem employers need to solve.
The 2026 retirement limits and thresholds have been unveiled by the IRS just hours after the federal government shutdown ended.
The Trump administration said it has struck a deal with drugmakers to lower the costs of GLP-1 drugs. Learn how that could impact employer costs and coverage.
Employers are bracing for high health care costs. But there are some ways organizations can mitigate the impact, benefits experts said during a SHRM webinar.
Economic uncertainty and financial concerns are pushing employees to spend more time reviewing their benefit elections. Learn what this means for employers.
HR leaders can use AI to enhance benefits engagement, but human connection remains vital. Get tips for communicating regularly with staff and measuring impact.
BUILD WINNING REWARDS STRATEGIES
Attract and retain top talent by designing competitive compensation and benefits programs that align with business goals and workforce needs.
Member Resources
Explore the key elements of a compensation philosophy and how to strategically align it with business goals to attract, retain, and motivate top talent.
Starting in 2026, employees can contribute up to $24,500 into their 401(k) and 403(b) plans, and most 457 plans, the IRS announced Nov. 13.
The Minnesota Paid Leave Program, effective January 1, 2026, offers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and 12 weeks of paid medical leave (max 20 weeks/year), funded by a 0.88% payroll premium split at least 50/50 between employer and employee, with employers able to adopt an equivalent private plan.
Decode the language of fair pay. Understand the difference between pay equity, pay equality, and pay transparency to implement a compliant compensation strategy.
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.