'Strategic reward' takes a long-term approach to how an organisation’s reward policies and practices balance and support the needs of both the organisation and its employees. The concept of 'total reward' covers the tangible and intangible aspects of work that people value and may form part of a reward strategy.

This factsheet explores the design and development of a reward strategy, from rationale to implementation and gives guidance on the principles to consider. It introduces the various characteristics of total reward (including the elements they may include), before looking at the approaches available, and the advantages and drawbacks of total reward.

This factsheet was last updated by Charles Cotton: Senior Performance and Reward Adviser, CIPD

Charles directs CIPD’s research agenda and public policy on performance and reward. He speaks for CIPD at government consultations on topics such as, pensions, retirement, CEO remuneration, low pay and employee tax.  

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