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
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.
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 Minnesota Paid Leave Program, effective January 1, 2026, offers up to 12 weeks of paid family leave and 12 weeks of paid medical leave (max 20 weeks/year), funded by a 0.88% payroll premium split at least 50/50 between employer and employee, with employers able to adopt an equivalent private plan.
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.