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.
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
A new notice details the changes to health savings accounts under the One Big, Beautiful Bill. Find out what employers need to know.
The consumer price index rose at a 2.7% annual rate in November, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported — lower than expected.
GLP-1 drug coverage, high health costs, and slowing pay raises were among the total rewards trends that were top of mind for HR pros this year.
Driven by higher expectations, the percentage of employees who are happy with their benefits has dropped. Find out what that means for employers and what they can do about it.
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
California’s pay data reporting portal is scheduled to open in February 2026, and all filings are due by May 13, 2026.
Strengthen your talent management strategy with this customizable bonus policy template. Motivate high-performing employees and support retention goals.
Explore 2026 employee benefit trends, including rising healthcare costs, AI-driven administration, wellbeing strategies, caregiving support, and multigenerational needs.
Employers subject to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) reporting under Internal Revenue Code Sections 6055 or 6056 should prepare to comply with reporting deadlines in early 2026.