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.
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 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
Recognition goes beyond rewards—from being solely an HR-led program to a defining part of the employee experience.
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.
By promoting healthcare literacy and providing access to advocacy resources, HR can help employees make informed decisions, improve health outcomes, and avoid unnecessary costs.
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
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.
Enhance benefits communication year-round with a strategic month-by-month plan to boost employee awareness of and engagement with your company's offerings.