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Conducting biometric screenings is no easy task, but with adequate planning, staffing and policies, screening can deliver educational and motivational value to employees and help the employer better manage their population health and plan design. EBN profiled three employers who have brought health data to life for their university and blue collar populations. Here are six tips for conducting a successful biometric screening initiative, including how to deliver the opportunity across a dispersed workforce, from the Health Enhancement Research Organization, American College of Occupational and Environmental Medicine and Care Continuum Alliance. [Images: Shutterstock]

We live in the age of big data. The far reaching implications of collecting data en masse can be seen most obviously in the online marketplaces of the public health care exchanges, which contain a conglomeration of carrier plan data and so far, IT glitches to match. Big data can present nightmare technology and privacy issues if not handled effectively, but it also offers huge advantages to plan sponsors and their workers. Employers tap into big data to seamlessly administer HR tasks and to monitor and manage their population health. Consumers also benefit from the storage databanks to overcome challenges managing their chronic diseases or to make informed wellness decisions. Here are six breaking edge technologies that benefit employers and workers alike. [Images: Shutterstock]

Employers and colleagues spread holiday cheer this season with bonuses and parties, as well as some unusual Christmas, Hanukkah and New Year’s gifts…like a whole lot of shrimp. Nearly half (45%) of employers say they will give holiday bonuses this year, on par with last year, according to CareerBuilder's annual holiday survey. Employers are also in the gift-giving spirit as one-third will bestow gifts on their staff, and bosses can expect gifts from one-fifth of their employees. In some cases, generosity may have been better spent on well wishes than these 10 bizarre holiday presents co-workers have gifted. [Images: Shutterstock]

What’s the strangest expense your organization has charged to the company credit card? These 10 employers have expensed some pricey and downright unusual items to entertain clients and travel in style. Here are the 10 most interesting responses from over 60,000 business travelers surveyed by online expense management provider, Certify. [Images: Shutterstock]

Mobile and online platforms from Weight Watchers, StickK and others motivate users in unique and unusual ways. Here is a window into cutting edge technology and breakthroughs in incentive design around wellness. Engagement through technology and mobile devices is here to stay and smartphone games that simulate zombies chasing you while run are just the beginning. [Images: Shutterstock]

Scarcity of medical resources, the improved communication between countries, the globalization of health care, Internet marketing and ease of travel are all contributing factors to the rise of medical tourism, which will be a $32.5 billion market by 2019, according to estimates from market intelligence company Transparency Market Research. Julie Malida, principal for health care fraud solutions in the security intelligence practice at the SAS Institute Inc. shares the top 10 reasons your employees might consider traveling abroad for health care. [Images: Shutterstock]

While the internet makes holiday shopping more convenient, it’s not without risks. Employees will likely squeeze Christmas, Hanukkah and holiday shopping sessions throughout Cyber Monday. Keep those company computers and laptops safe by passing along these safety suggestions to workers. Here are five tips from USA.gov on what to know before shopping online this holiday season. Help protect yourself and your finances as you search for that perfect gift. [Images: Shutterstock]

With the holidays just around the corner, this is a great time to emphasize healthy eating and exercise messages in your wellness communications. Employee assistance program provider ComPsych recently recognized four employers with its Health at Work awards. Winning companies were selected based on their wellness program’s comprehensiveness, delivery, promotion, participation rates and results achieved. Here are the winners. [Images: Shutterstock]

This Thanksgiving, looking at the mess of the Affordable Care Act’s rollout, your employees might just be most grateful to retain their employer-sponsored health plans, but there’s always plenty to celebrate on the fourth Thursday of November. Between food, travel, and more food this Nov. 28, be sure to mark the occasion well. And from all of us at EBN, enjoy your holiday! [Images: Shutterstock]

Last week the White House reprieved for a year plans canceled under the Affordable Care Act, a move largely seen as trying to appease angered voters ahead of the 2014 midterm elections. This follows a one-year delay, announced in July, of the employer mandate. While Obamacare doesn't appear to be going away anytime soon, the moves demonstrate that the law is still quite malleable, and more changes could be coming. [Images: Shutterstock]