Did HR walk you through every benefit you may qualify for?
HR explains the company policy. But State programs, federal law and benefits HR doesn't run can all change your leave. This free workshop shows you how every piece fits together, so you can check HR's answer for yourself.
Every week and every dollar you're eligible for, not just what HR mentioned, and no finding out later that you could have had more.
Hosted by Diane Gatza, P.E., CLMSOwner + Founder, California Maternity Leave Consulting 6,000+families served since 2022
5 Critical Steps to Maximize Your Maternity Leave
Free ยท Under an hour ยท No prep needed. Leave with your next steps the same day.
Who this workshop is for:
- You live in California
- You work full- or part-time for an employer (W-2, not self-employed)
- You're an expecting mom, dad, partner, adoptive or intended parent
- Any employer: private, State of California, public education, city, county, healthcare and more*
*Not for federal employees. Federal jobs have a different leave and benefit structure, so this workshop doesn't apply.
A few of the companies where the women I have worked with work:
Moms who didn't stop at HR's first answer
Almost double the time off, and more pay.
โโฆreceived almost double the time off as I was previously approved for and more pay!โ
Mahreen D.Part-time work for full-time pay.
โI was able to get 4.5 months paid with another month @ part time work with full pay!โ
Angela L.Results vary based on your employer, eligibility, income and timing.
โHR contradicted themselves twice in one meeting.โ
Why HR's answer is incompleteHR explains the company policy. Not your whole leave.
HR isn't the villain. But their answer usually has three blind spots:
They represent the company. Their job is the employer's policy and compliance, not making sure you get every week and dollar available to you.
They're generalists. Leave is one of dozens of things they handle, and the rules are complex. Simplified answers miss details.
Many benefits aren't theirs to run. State SDI, Paid Family Leave and outside benefits administrators sit outside HR, so timelines and filing steps can fall through the cracks.
Hi! I've attached our parental leave policy. For next steps, please contact our leave administrator. Let us know if you have any other questions!
- Does this include State SDI and PFL?
- Is PDL separate from CFRA?
- Who files what, and by when?
- So when do I actually go back?
Get the full picture HR didn't give you
Here's what the free workshop gives you to do it. No prep, no paperwork today, no need to know the acronyms. Just pick a session and show up.
- 1
HR secrets and negotiation tactics
What HR doesn't usually volunteer, and how to ask for the time and pay you're eligible for with confidence.
- 2
How to use every right you have
The State, federal and employer benefits you may qualify for, and how PDL, CFRA, SDI and PFL stack together for more paid time at home.
- 3
When and how to share your plan
The recommended timing for telling your employer, how to frame the conversation, and what to have figured out first.
- 4
How to protect yourself during the process
The common mistakes that cost moms time and pay, and how to protect your leave, your pay and your position along the way.
- BONUS
Your paperwork filing checklist
Every key filing date in one place, so you don't miss a claim deadline while you're home with a newborn.
The goal: know your full picture before you sign off on HR's plan, with no surprises later.
Home for the first smile, the first roll, the first foods. Rocking your baby to sleep for naps yourself. Your savings still there for the house or the first-birthday trip. And going back to work when you're ready, knowing you got every week and every dollar you were eligible for.
I'm Diane Gatza, P.E.
I'm an engineer who turned my own experience with California's maternity leave system into a company that has helped 6,000+ women and families. Maternity leave is the only thing we do.
I'm not here to replace HR. I'm here to make sure you know what to ask them.
