Even though investment slowed down toward the end of the year, 2015 was a banner year for HR technology — the best since 2001 for U.S. startups and a year that included a billion-dollar quarter. Depending on whose numbers you look at, investment in HR and HCM startups was north of $2 billion for the year. What should industry watchers expect in 2016 as this capital begins working its way into the system?

In an early morning announcement today, Blackhawk Network, a prepaid and payments network, announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Achievers. Terms were not disclosed, but Blackhawk expects the deal to close by June 30. Because Blackhawk is a publicly traded company, SEC filings will be available at that time.

Workplace wellness is here to stay. But at the same time, it's an evolving and immature industry. As wellness puts on its big-boy pants, it will merge into employee engagement, with the roles of consumerism, validation, and total quality of life taking center stage.