8. Total Rewards
Total rewards
The whole deal, not just the paycheque
Where a collective agreement applies, it governs. Check the agreement before applying any of this.
Use when
EVP conversations; retention diagnostics; offer design
Compensation
Base, incentives, premiums; the hygiene layer
Benefits & security
Health, pension, leave; loyalty currency, esp. DB pensions
Wellbeing & flexibility
Workload reality, flexibility, psychological health
Recognition
Being seen, formally and daily; cheapest lever, most neglected
Growth
Development, careers, mobility; the retention lever for ambition
How to use it
Use for retention diagnostics: exit and stay interviews mapped against the five reveal which element is leaking (it is rarely base pay alone). In offers and EVP messaging, price the whole deal: a DB pension is worth many thousands annually and most employees cannot value it unaided; teach them.
Card details
- Model type
- Grid
- Origin status
- Synthesis
- Content last reviewed
- 28 July 2026
Origin
SynthesisTotal rewards practice as developed by WorldatWork and others.