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
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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.
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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
Promoting vaccination, educating employees about hygiene in the workplace, and telling workers not to come to the office when they’re sick are important steps, one expert said.
Amid discussions about a Trump administration proposal that would allow Americans to tap into their 401(k) savings for a home down payment, experts weigh pros and cons.
The 2026 SHRM State of the Workplace report highlights wage stagnation, stress and burnout levels as the most critical issues for organizations to address.
Health care cost management, financial wellness benefits, and health savings accounts are among the employee benefits to watch in the coming year.
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
Employers should position themselves to create a work environment that addresses the diverse realities of caregiving, including support for working parents, employees caring for aging relatives, and individuals managing caregiving for family members with disabilities or chronic conditions.
California’s pay data reporting portal is scheduled to open in February 2026, and all filings are due by May 13, 2026.
Support your workforce and reduce forfeited flexible spending account funds. Use this HR checklist to guide year-end FSA communication, compliance, and employee engagement.
Strengthen your talent management strategy with this customizable bonus policy template. Motivate high-performing employees and support retention goals.