Companies today are under constant pressure to cut costs and gain competitive advantage by using best-practice models to ensure survival. Human resources must prove that the activities it performs are both in line with business objectives and are financially sound. When asked to defend a current total rewards program or redesign an organization's total rewards system, it is important to present and justify these recommendations in definable business terms. HR professionals can be more effective in their positions and more successful in helping their organizations continue to grow profitable by.