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
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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
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.
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
Decode the language of fair pay. Understand the difference between pay equity, pay equality, and pay transparency to implement a compliant compensation strategy.
NYC's Paid Safe and Sick Leave Law expands Feb. 26, 2026, broadening eligibility, accrual, and protections. Employers must update policies, systems, and ensure compliance with new requirements.
HR leaders can champion pay equity with careful, comprehensive audits. Learn how to identify pay gaps, ensure fairness, and cultivate a more engaged workforce.
Pay transparency laws, which require employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings or upon request, vary across states. . These laws aim to promote equitable pay practices and reduce wage gaps by increasing transparency in compensation.