Human Resources: Compensation and Benefits for the US
1h 31mBeginner2025-03-20
Authors

Wayne Cascio
University of Colorado Professor and Author
Course details
To attract and retain top talent, it's crucial for companies to get compensation and benefits right. When employees feel that they're paid fairly for what they do, there's greater incentive for them to excel in the workplace. This course offers a comprehensive introduction to compensation and benefits, emphasizing the strategic role of total rewards in business competitiveness. Instructor and HR expert Wayne Cascio explores key concepts like internal pay structures, external competitiveness, and performance-based pay systems. He also explains legally required benefits, strategic benefit planning, and international compensation strategies. Plus, learn about the importance of budgeting and communication in managing a total rewards system and ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Learning objectives
Define key components of compensation, including pay structures, performance incentives, and employee benefits.
Explain the links between competitive strategy and compensation strategy, as well as the legal framework governing employee compensation and benefits.
Analyze how external market comparisons influence decisions on pay levels and pay mix in a total rewards system.
Assess various compensation strategies, including individual, team, and executive compensation plans, based on their effectiveness in motivating employees.
Develop a strategic approach to managing compensation, benefits, and employee rewards that aligns with both organizational objectives and legal requirements.
Learning objectives
Define key components of compensation, including pay structures, performance incentives, and employee benefits.
Explain the links between competitive strategy and compensation strategy, as well as the legal framework governing employee compensation and benefits.
Analyze how external market comparisons influence decisions on pay levels and pay mix in a total rewards system.
Assess various compensation strategies, including individual, team, and executive compensation plans, based on their effectiveness in motivating employees.
Develop a strategic approach to managing compensation, benefits, and employee rewards that aligns with both organizational objectives and legal requirements.
Skills covered
Compensation and BenefitsHR AdministrationHuman ResourcesDeep Dive (X:Y)
Concepts
0. Introduction
- 01 - Navigating compensation and benefits
1. A Strategic Approach to Total Rewards
- 02 - What is compensation
- 03 - Drive competitive advantage through compensation
- 04 - Understand the laws that govern pay
2. Internal Pay Structures
- 05 - Internal alignment, part one
- 06 - Internal alignment, part two
- 07 - Job-based pay structures
- 08 - Person-based pay structures
3. External Competitiveness
- 09 - Choices about pay level and the mix of pay forms
- 10 - Using pay surveys to drive key compensation decisions
4. Paying for Performance
- 11 - Using compensation to retain talent
- 12 - Linking pay to performance
- 13 - Incentive plans for individuals, teams, and organizations
- 14 - Components of executive compensation
5. Employee Benefits
- 15 - A strategic approach to employee benefits
- 16 - Legally required benefits
- 17 - Insurance and pensions
- 18 - Pay for time not worked, employee services
6. Technology and Int'l Comp and Benefits
- 19 - AI, pay administration, and self-service
- 20 - International compensation, benefits, and tax strategies
Conclusion
- 21 - Budgeting and communication
- 22 - Summary and conclusions
- 23 - Next steps in human resources compensation and benefits