Helping employees navigate through various maternal leave options is crucial for any benefit manager. Maternal leave options may include employer-sponsored leave, temporary disability, the federal Family Medical Leave Act (FLMA), and paid family medical leave (PFML) - a rapidly growing state-dependent option. With these varying options, it becomes the responsibility of benefit managers to guide expecting mothers through what’s available and what to expect throughout their leave period.

Keeping up with the evolving nature of leave policies, particularly at the state level, presents a challenge. However, whether the vast responsibility is taken on internally or outsourced, the primary goal should be to keep employees informed and abreast of their options. According to MetLife research, over half of employees admit they do not understand their employer benefit programs leading them to potentially miss out on available benefits. Therefore, in-person and virtual meetings, emails, and scheduled time for 1:1 meetings with benefit managers can be effective ways of bridging this gap.

External assistance is available for organizations that lack the bandwidth to manage this complex process. For instance, MetLife offers a tool that employees can use to figure out the leave they have based on their location and employer rights. This tool can guide them throughout their experience.

In conclusion, making leave policies clear, personalized, and accessible to employees during their trying times forms the basis of employee benefits and retention. By helping illustrate benefits and policies that apply to common life scenarios such as childbirth and illness, employers aid employees in feeling supported and less likely to seek greener pastures.

For those in California who need help navigating their benefits, they can find valuable resources at eddcaller.com. This includes information on how to contact edd or get a hold of Paid Family Leave (PFL) specialists. This site also offers guidance on how to contact a live person at the California EDD office, assisting with questions regarding specific benefits or leave details.