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Exploring the Benefits of a Total Rewards System

Written by Salary.com Staff

April 4, 2024

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Many companies use a total reward system to make work more exciting for their employees. This means they look at what employees need outside of work and what bonuses they can get. Understanding these reward systems can help you see why they matter in a company.

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What is Total Rewards System

The total reward system in HR includes everything about why employees choose to work in a company.  It does not only concern money; it is about what makes a job great, such as benefits and how the job fits your lifestyle.

This makes sure everything in a company, from their compensation plan to what other rewards they offer, aligns with the company's goals and makes everyone happy. It is like putting all the puzzle pieces together to make a picture that pleases everyone.

Why is the Total Reward System Important?

A total reward system matters because it can help determine whether someone wants a job or not. A good total rewards package brings in great workers to your company and keeps the ones you already have happy and loyal.

The thought is, when you offer your employees more than monetary gains, they will like their jobs more and stick around longer.

Total Rewards: Benefits of Having a Total Rewards System

With millennials taking up most of the workforce and the next generation of workers ready to join, employers must rethink how to reward employees.

When it comes to "rewards," employers think about pay and benefits first—and that makes sense. Studies show that pay is the main reason that makes people happy at work, followed by benefits. That is why more companies are starting to think about a total rewards system, which includes almost everything.

Here are some benefits of having a total rewards package:

  • Attracting talent: Total rewards programs aim to bring in the right people and make them want to perform at their best. They look at what each employee needs and try to keep them happy.
  • Keeping employees: Good benefits are important for keeping employees around and making sure they do well. When employees feel like their company cares about them and their future, they are more likely to stay.
  • Boosting productivity: Pay must match how much employees contribute to the company, not just their paycheck. When employees feel valued and rewarded, they are more motivated to work hard and be efficient.
  • Making employees happy: A good total rewards program can make employees feel satisfied and engaged, no matter what stage of life they are in.
  • Staying competitive: Having a total rewards strategy makes a company stand out in its industry. It attracts top talent and makes the company the best place to work.

Having a total rewards system can make a company more successful and keep its employees happy and motivated.

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Disadvantages of Total Rewards System

Reward systems can be helpful, but they have downsides to think about as well. Here are some disadvantages to consider:

  • Employee entitlement: Reward systems can make employees feel like they deserve rewards for every little thing they do. This can make them less motivated to work hard without getting something in return.
  • Workplace conflicts: Some reward systems, like giving out awards to the best employee of the month, can cause problems. People who do not win can feel upset or jealous, leading to arguments and bad feelings at work. This makes it hard for everyone to work together as a team.
  • Too much competition: Reward systems can make employees focus too much on winning rewards instead of doing their best work. It can make them more interested in beating their coworkers than helping the company succeed.
  • High costs: Keeping up with rewards can get expensive. Companies may feel like they must keep adding more rewards to keep employees happy. But when the cost gets too high, it may not be worth it in the end.
  • Limits: Some departments may find it harder to produce good reward ideas than others. For example, it is easy to reward salespeople based on how much they sell, but it can be trickier to figure out how to reward IT workers for their work.

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In conclusion, while total reward systems offer numerous benefits such as attracting talent and boosting productivity, they come with drawbacks like fostering entitlement and creating workplace conflicts. Companies must carefully weigh these pros and cons to implement effective reward strategies that balance employee motivation with organizational goals. Finding the right balance ensures that reward systems contribute positively to overall company performance while fostering a positive work environment.

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