WorldatWork’s growth — from a local compensation association to the worldwide leader in Total Rewards — has both reflected and shaped the evolution of localized employee compensation into global Total Rewards.
The Total Rewards function exists in its current state today thanks to the leadership and groundbreaking work of WorldatWork and its predecessor organizations.
We started in 1955 as the Ohio Wage and Salary Association, an organization focused on the compensation issues of that mid-western state. Recognizing that employers faced a growing need for national compensation strategies, in 1963 we widened our scope and became the American Compensation Association (ACA).
In the 1970’s, we launched two bedrock products that established the professional rigor of the compensation function and remain essential mainstays for compensation and Total Rewards professionals today:
As the century drew to a close, we saw multinational organizations experience a growing need for global compensation education, so in 1998 we launched the Global Remuneration Professional (GRP). This certification builds on the foundational learning obtained in the CCP and provides a clear path forward for anyone ready to strategically manage compensation in multiple countries.
In 2000, we recognized the potential for strategically integrating all rewards (compensation, benefits, career development, well-being and recognition) into a powerful portfolio designed to attract and engage employees anywhere in the world. Drawing on our global expertise in compensation — typically the most essential and expensive employee reward — we took the groundbreaking step of launching the practice of Total Rewards.
Working with experts in multiple fields, we identified the Total Rewards concept, developed the Total Rewards Model , and showed how its strategic application can dramatically improve organizational and employee alignment and performance
To reflect the importance of this new, strategic work we transformed into a global organization named WorldatWork. In 2021 we opened new offices in Pune, India, extending our ability to offer global Total Rewards education and content.
We also expanded into the high-profile field of executive compensation, creating resources that include:
In 2025, which marks our 70th anniversary, we continue to expand our offerings to cover all Total Rewards learning needs, from introductory level to expert. These will include a Total Rewards Essentials course, Total Rewards Leader Certification and Total Rewards Executive Network.
The Total Rewards Model
Developed by WorldatWork, Updated 2023
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