• SAVED

  • {{suggestedHeader}}

Korn Ferry's Global Total Rewards Pulse Survey

Back to top

cover of report

You’ve built a total rewards strategy to attract and retain top talent—but is it truly differentiated and keeping pace with the market?

Korn Ferry’s Global Total Rewards Pulse Survey brings together insights from organizations around the world, delivering up-to-date data on total rewards programs, business outlook, and salary increase benchmarks.

If you’re responsible for designing, shaping, or evolving your organization’s total rewards packages, this report is essential reading.

Our Latest Global Total Rewards Pulse Survey—the Results Are In

The results of our latest survey on AI Impact on Roles and Compensation, conducted in February 2026, are now available.

This edition reflects responses from 4,252 organizations across 133 countries, providing a global perspective on how companies are navigating AI-driven transformation in work and rewards.

Reward Strategy

  • While AI adoption is accelerating, 40% of organizations are still uncertain about its impact on roles, highlighting the complexity of this transformation.
  • Among those with visibility, most expect 5–10% of roles to be significantly transformed in the near term.
  • Across organizations, the most common compensation premium for AI-related talent is 10–15% above peer roles.
  • Organizations are increasingly using sign-on incentives and retention bonuses to compete for highly specialized AI talent.

Business Outlook

  • Macroeconomic uncertainty, geopolitical pressures, and talent dynamics are key external factors shaping business growth and reward decisions.
  • Salary increase projections for 2026 show a slight moderation, reflecting a more conservative approach to fixed cost management.

Stay ahead of how AI is transforming work, skills, and reward strategies.

Download the full report to explore the insights and 2026 salary forecasts.

Complimentary download

Previous Global Total Rewards Pulse Surveys and Forums

Check out Korn Ferry's previous surveys and forums to benchmark your total rewards benefits and cost-saving measures against past years.

Related Insights

feature

Attrition & Retention

A Guide to Mastering Your Total Rewards Strategy

This Total Rewards hands-on guide helps organizations think holistically and provides a solid foundation for your employee program.

Guide Aug 17, 2023