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
As mental health–related leave continues to climb, learn how many employers are rethinking how they support employees before, during, and after an absence.
A sharp increase in prescription drug spending, including GLP-1s, is fueling another significant jump in health costs next year, data finds. Explore what steps employers can take to respond.
Financial strain and wage discontent are growing, with nearly all employees saying their wages aren’t keeping up with costs. Find out what that means for employers.
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.
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
Navigating the complexities of the Benefit Plan Reporting & Disclosure Calendars is a vital responsibility for HR professionals and employers alike. Generally, these resources provide the same information. The different formats are provided in hopes of meeting a wide variety of preferences.
Each year, millions of people in the U.S. experience seasonal affective disorder (SAD), also called seasonal depression or the "winter blues."
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.
Plan your benefits strategy with confidence. This calculator provides a clear cost estimate for covering GLP-1 drugs for weight loss for your workforce.
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.