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Investing in a healthy workforce can help increase productivity levels of employees, according to recent research from Optum. One study determined that net productivity losses were $158-$1,601 more per year for each person with a health risk or condition. A second study suggested that an employee who engages with a health coach, health advocate, or nurse and makes improvements in health or reductions in health risks, is likely to become more productive.

“Work-life isn't about being trendy or jumping on a bandwagon, it's a solid business strategy that allows companies to leverage one of its most key assets — human capital," says Kathie Lingle, executive director of Alliance for Work-Life Progress. WorldatWork recognized two outstanding professionals for their success as work-life rising stars and honored two companies as recipients of the Work-Life Innovative Excellence Award, which recognizes organizations that have raised the bar on work-life innovation.

For introverts, the communication that's required to network and interact with others creates intense fear and, in some cases, makes it impossible to job hunt. To help shy people succeed in the working world, Careercast, a job search portal, has identified 10 of the best jobs that play to introverts' strengths while avoiding an overload of interactions each day. The best jobs for shy people include archivist, astronomer, film/video editor and, perhaps ironically, social media manager, says CareerCast's new report.

As many small business employers are searching for alternative health insurance options following the Affordable Care Act’s implementation, Zane Benefits – a benefits resource for small- and medium-sized businesses – recommends that defined contribution health benefits should be considered. Because of the related savings, Zane Benefits lists this option could be the “future of health benefits.” Here are 10 signs why you should consider DC health benefits.

Employees have access to thousands of apps covering health and wellness on their mobile device. Employers and wellness vendors can offer workers hi-tech ways to track their physical activity, promote healthy eating and inspire wellness at work. Here are five mobile apps and outreach ideas to get employees moving and engaged in your wellness program.

HR professionals can benchmark their business travel expenses, such as airfare, hotel and meals, through the latest SpendSmart report by Certify, the leading cloud-based travel and expense management software provider, which highlights business spending trends from last year. Here are 2013’s most expensed vendors for employers’ reference to plan ahead and determine which vendors are the most popular and offer the best value and the best prices.

Earlier this year, the Surgeon General issued a new report on smoking and health, marking the 50th anniversary of the agency’s landmark study announcing scientifically proven links between smoking and lung cancer. As American Heart Month winds down, Peter Goldbach, chief medical officer with Health Dialog, shares how smoking affects employee health and what employers should look for in a smoking cessation program.

GEICO, Pepco, and Capitol One have adopted plant-based, or vegan, nutrition programs to help their employees lose weight, lower cholesterol and manage type 2 diabetes. The Physicians Committee has developed pilot studies at these companies and offers five tips to boost employee health through better food choices.

Employers and the U.S. government have invested in employee training programs to reskill workers and fill the in-demand, skilled positions in technology, health care and other sectors currently experiencing a shortage of qualified labor. CareerBuilder presents the 12 occupations that grew 7% of more from 2010 to 2013, are projected to increase in 2014, and fall within a higher-wage category of $22 per hour or more.

With Valentine’s Day upon us, a new employee survey reveals just how much your employees are feeling the love. Virgin Pulse asked 1,000 full-time employees what they love about their jobs, what motivates them and how they’d like for their employers to show they care. Here are some of the findings.