Tucked into the landmark health care reform bill signed into law in March 2010 are a few surprises: an increase in adoption assistance exclusion and credit, breaks for new moms, modified W-2 and 1099 reporting requirements, and a national social insurance program providing limited long-term care (LTC) coverage through the workplace for employees.

Adoption Assistance Exclusion and Credit: Employers that offer adoption assistance and employees who take advantage of it-or that claim the adoption tax credit-need to make adjustments that reflect the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) that increase the employer-provided adoption assistance exclusion and the adoption tax credit. Effective retroactively to January 1, 2010, PPACA increased the tax credit and tax exclusion to $13,170 for all adoptions.

Breaks and Space for Nursing Moms: Employers covered by the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) are now required to furnish "reasonable" breaks to nursing mothers to express milk for their infants. Employers must also provide a place, other than a bathroom, that is shielded from view and free from intrusion from co-workers and the public, which may be used by an employee to express breast milk. Many states already have similar requirements.

W-2 and 1099 Reporting: Starting with your employees 2011 W-2s, health care reform requires employers to calculate and report the aggregate cost of applicable employer-sponsored health insurance coverage on employees' Form W-2s. And beginning in 2012, all companies will have to issue a 1099 tax form to any individual or company from which they purchase more than $600 in goods or services.

Long-Term Care: Inside the health care reform law is the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, which creates a national social insurance program providing limited long-term care (LTC) coverage through the workplace for employees. The government-run LTC option is intended to provide a baseline for extended care.

A second edition of Uncomplicating Management is now available. Since it was first published, the economy has been devastated by a crippling recession. Not since the great depression have we seen the number of lost jobs and failed businesses. Employers need guidance with this post recession workplace and this revised edition provides it. Get a complete description of the book.

For the next 30 days, this new book will be available for $14.95, a 33% discount below the Publisher's recommend list price. But, you can only get it on my web site. Order it today and I'll sign each copy for you.

Slowly employers emerge from the recession. Many were forced to make difficult choices and decisions that impacted their business, customers and workforce. Now begins the process of rebuilding, restoring profitability, and repositioning for growth.

On October 28th, I will lead a half day Androscoggin Chamber workshop on the challenges employers will face with a post-recession workplace. Unlike previous recessions, this one was most severe and the recovery will be slow. Many of the lessons learned from past recessions will no longer apply. A new paradigm will be needed.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to increase efficiency and productivity while eliminating unnecessary burdens shouldered from the past. By creating a new workforce strategy, you will be able to move your organization to the next level. Participants will get specific examples of how organizations can thrive in this post recession environment and will hear what other area companies are doing to position themselves.

The recession took a toll on most. Many, however, have used this period to reposition their company and refocus their workforce for the recovery, allowing them to gain new customers and upgrade their talent. Understand what you need to do. While the last three years have been painful, it also provided many with new opportunities. As one local executive stated "we are a better company because of it." Make sure your company is ready to move forward.

I will be speaking before the following groups:

Maine Municipal Association on October 13. My topic will be Succession Planning.

Merrimac Chamber of Commerce on October 14. My topic will be Making Managing Easy.

Maine Water Utilities Association Annual Meeting on October 27. My topic will be Making Managing Easy.

Androscoggin Chamber of Commerce on October 28. My topic will be The Emerging Post Recession Workplace.

Providers Council Annual Convention on November 1. My topic will be Succession Planning.

If your group needs a speaker, let me know. I am now booking a number of engagements throughout this year and into 2011. Click below to review my speaker sheet.

A number of tools and booklets to help you manage your workforce are available now. These include:

• Sexual Harassment Prevention Toolbox
• Preventing Discrimination & Harassment Guide
• Strategies to Survive a Tough Economic Downturn Guide
• Guide To Massachusetts Employment Laws for Managers
• Employment Laws for Maine Organizations