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
Executive pay disparities are widening, impacting employee engagement and satisfaction. HR executives can use transparency to build trust and retain talent.
Catch up on the latest benefits news, including how Elon Musk's trillionaire path may worsen worker pay discontent, how HR can address employees' benefits regrets, and more.
AI-powered tools are enhancing open enrollment by offering personalized benefits advice, supporting equity, and providing actionable insights for HR leaders.
Catch up on the latest benefits news, including Roth catch-up contribution rules, employees’ upcoming PTO plans for Taylor Swift’s album release, and more.
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
Strengthen your benefits strategy with insights on designing, managing, and evaluating workplace wellness programs to boost employee engagement and productivity.
Get more information on 2026 Health Savings Account (HSA) limits from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to help employees understand their benefit options.
Healthcare costs are expected to rise significantly in 2026, posing both budgetary challenges and strategic opportunities for employers and HR professionals.
Severance pay is a benefit offered by many employers when involuntarily terminating the employment of an employee.