WorldatWork is the world's leading not-for-profit professional association dedicated to knowledge leadership in total rewards, compensation, benefits, and work-life. Founded in 1955, WorldatWork focuses on human resources disciplines associated with attracting, motivating and retaining employees. Besides serving as the membership association of the professions, the WorldatWork family of organizations provides education, certification, publications, knowledge resources, surveys, conferences, research and networking.

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What is total rewards?

Total Rewards: All of the tools available to the employer that may be used to attract, motivate and retain employees. Total rewards include everything the employee perceives to be of value resulting from the employment relationship. 

Throughout history, employers have been challenged with attracting, motivating and retaining employees. From the simplest barter systems of centuries past to the current complex incentive formulas of today, the organizational premise has been the same: Provide productivity and results to our enterprise and we will provide you with something of value.

There are five elements of total rewards, each of which includes programs, practices, elements and dimensions that collectively define an organization's strategy to attract, motivate and retain employees. These elements are:

• Compensation
• Benefits
• Work-Life
• Performance and Recognition
• Development and Career Opportunities

As the association representing the professions comprising total rewards, WorldatWork has served as a focal point for intellectual-capital development and dialogue about this topic.

Learn more

Executive Compensation An Introduction to Theory & Practice Ensure your organization has the various components of a compensation package that will achieve desired results, performance and retention.

Employee Engagement Fundamentals A Guide for Managers and Supervisors Designed to help managers and supervisors with strategies and approaches to engage employees, this book discusses 10 types of employees at various levels in the employment lifecycle. With this knowledge, readers will enhance their awareness of, interest in, and action toward creating and sustaining organizations that find, keep and engage the best talent.

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Dec. 18 Webinar – Sign Up Today
Moral Hazard and Executive Compensation — Balancing Risk and Reward
Join Frederic W. Cook, founding director of Frederic W. Cook & Co. as he takes a look at the concept of moral hazard and executive compensation. Together you will explore ways companies can reach a balance between the right amounts of risk and reward without paralyzing the system by restricting or eliminating the executive compensation tools needed to attract and retain the best talent.

Courses  |  Webinars  |  Bring an event to your location

Workers at Small Companies Pay Larger Share of Health Costs

November 20, 2008

Annual Bonus and Stock-Based Awards Expected to be Down in 2009

November 20, 2008

Tetra Pak Moves to Defined Contribution; Takes Advantage of 'Tax Neutral' Location

November 19, 2008

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Upcoming Total Rewards Conferences

The GTA Rewards Association
2008 Canadian Total Rewards Conference
In partnership with the Ottawa Region Rewards Association and WorldatWork
Nov. 17-19  |  Fairmont Royal York  |  Toronto, ON

Total Rewards 2009 Conference & Exhibition
May 31 - June 3, 2009
Washington State Convention and Trade Center
Seattle, WA

Free Resource
President-Elect Barack Obama on Total Rewards
This easy-to-read table shows Barack Obama’s campaign positions on total rewards-related issues.

Free Template
Download the complimentary Total Rewards Inventory Checklist and get a comprehensive view of your organization's value proposition.

• Define the 5 total rewards elements
• Determine your organization's competitive advantage
• Promote your rewards in your recruiting efforts
• Communicate to employees their rewards of work
• Use the findings to create your HR strategies

To access more free tools, templates and resources available only to members, login or become a member.