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
Learn about the benefits of accommodating employee caregivers, how prominent organizations have led the way, and how to prioritize compliance in your approach.
Learn how HR can use scenario planning to develop optimal benefits solutions. Explore how different benefits packages could maximize value for employees and HR.
Set goals for this year's open enrollment season and devise a strategy for meeting your objectives. Tailor your communications campaign to support these aims.
Boost open enrollment success with tips to engage employees, streamline decisions, and avoid common pitfalls. Help workers make confident benefits choices.
Week one plays a critical role in how new hires perceive your organization. This culture first onboarding guide shares practical ways to create a first-week experience that builds connection, confidence, and belonging, starting day one.
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
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.
FMLA medical leave covers many examples of serious health conditions. Learn what is and isn’t eligible, from chronic conditions to pregnancy-related absences.