Total Compensation Statement Template For New Hires and Comp Refreshes

A compensation statement, often called a total compensation statement, is a personalized document that outlines the full value of an employee’s compensation and benefits package. It goes beyond base salary to include employee benefits, bonuses, equity, perks, and other rewards the employee receives annually. Its purpose is to demonstrate the company’s total investment in each individual.

The purpose of a total rewards statement is to increase transparency and appreciation by showing employees the full scope of their compensation and benefits package. Many employees undervalue or are unaware of benefits like insurance premiums, employer retirement matches, or stipends. A well-structured statement enhances retention and communicates the company’s investment in their wellbeing and even growth.

The three components of total compensation are:

1. Direct compensation: Base salary, bonuses, commissions
2. Indirect compensation: Employee benefits like insurance and retirement
3. Non-financial rewards: Career development, work-life balance, recognition

All three contribute to the full compensation and benefit package.

Yes, paid time off (PTO) is typically included in a total compensation statement as part of employee benefits. It represents a real monetary value since the company pays employees during leave.

A typical total rewards statement includes:

1. Header: Employee name, role, period covered
2. Cash compensation:
   • Base salary
   • Bonuses and commissions
   • Equity value (if applicable)
3. Employee benefits:
   • Health, dental, vision
   • Retirement plan contributions
   • Life insurance
   • Paid time off (PTO)
4. Other perks:
   • Remote work stipends
   • Education reimbursements
   • Wellbeing programs

The document ends with a total compensation statement summarizing the full annual value.

Some best practices for total compensation statements include:

• Use clear, employee-friendly language
• Visualize value: Pie charts or tables help highlight the breakdown
• Localize benefits: Reflect what’s available by region or country
• Include non-monetary perks: Flexibility, learning, PTO
• Provide annually or at review time: Pair with performance and promotion discussions
• Offer a digital and printable version: Easy to save, reference, and share

To create a total compensation statement:

1. Start with our statement template: Fill in the sections for base salary, bonus, equity, and benefits.
2. Break down employee benefits: Health insurance, retirement contributions, wellness stipends, etc.
3. Add any additional perks: Learning budgets, remote work stipends, PTO, etc.
4. Calculate the total compensation value: Combine all components to show the full annual compensation and benefits figure.
5. Personalize the statement: Address the employee by name and customize based on their package.
6. Brand it: Use consistent formatting and tone that reflects your organization’s culture.

Bonus: Include a short note reinforcing the company’s appreciation and reiterating your compensation and benefits philosophy.

A compensation letter is a formal communication confirming changes to an employee’s pay or summarizing their current package. Key elements include:

• Introduction: Acknowledge the change or summarize the annual review
• Details: Specify the base salary, bonus eligibility, and any updates to employee benefits
• Effective date: When the change takes effect
• Appreciation and tone: Reinforce the employee’s impact and alignment with business goals

Use a consistent statement template for professionalism and compliance.