Maternity Leave Questions to Ask HR
Essential questions to understand your rights, benefits, and logistics for planning maternity leave and returning to work.
1How many weeks of paid and unpaid maternity leave am I entitled to?
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How many weeks of paid and unpaid maternity leave am I entitled to?
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Why this works
Reveals exact leave duration, payment structure, and whether company exceeds legal minimums.
2What percentage of my salary will I receive during paid leave?
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What percentage of my salary will I receive during paid leave?
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Why this works
Shows actual financial impact and whether you need to plan for reduced income.
3When should I officially notify the company about my pregnancy and leave plans?
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When should I officially notify the company about my pregnancy and leave plans?
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Why this works
Indicates required timeline for formal notification and documentation requirements.
4How does maternity leave affect my health insurance coverage?
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How does maternity leave affect my health insurance coverage?
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Why this works
Reveals whether coverage continues, costs change, and how to add newborn to plan.
5Can I use vacation or sick time to extend my maternity leave?
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Can I use vacation or sick time to extend my maternity leave?
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Why this works
Shows flexibility options and whether accrued time can supplement standard leave.
6What is the process for requesting and approving my leave dates?
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What is the process for requesting and approving my leave dates?
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Why this works
Indicates paperwork, approval process, and lead time needed for planning.
7Will my retirement contributions continue during leave?
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Will my retirement contributions continue during leave?
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Why this works
Shows impact on 401k matching, vesting, and long-term financial planning.
8What happens to my responsibilities while I'm on leave?
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What happens to my responsibilities while I'm on leave?
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Why this works
Reveals coverage plans, transition expectations, and whether you're expected to stay reachable.
9Is there flexibility for a phased return to work or reduced hours?
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Is there flexibility for a phased return to work or reduced hours?
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Why this works
Shows whether gradual return is possible and company openness to flexible arrangements.
10How does taking maternity leave affect my performance review and raises?
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How does taking maternity leave affect my performance review and raises?
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Why this works
Reveals whether leave impacts career progression, evaluations, and compensation decisions.
11What lactation accommodations are available when I return?
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What lactation accommodations are available when I return?
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Why this works
Indicates nursing mother support, private spaces, and scheduling flexibility for pumping.
12Can I work remotely after returning to ease the transition?
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Can I work remotely after returning to ease the transition?
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Why this works
Shows flexibility options and understanding of new parent needs.
13What happens if I need additional time off for medical complications?
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What happens if I need additional time off for medical complications?
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Why this works
Reveals short-term disability options and protection for pregnancy-related health issues.
14Will my same position be guaranteed when I return?
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Will my same position be guaranteed when I return?
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Why this works
Shows job protection legal rights and whether restructuring could affect your role.
15How should I communicate with my team during leave?
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How should I communicate with my team during leave?
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Why this works
Sets expectations for availability, check-ins, and boundary setting during family time.
16Are there any employee resource groups or support systems for new parents?
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Are there any employee resource groups or support systems for new parents?
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Why this works
Indicates peer support, mentorship, and company culture around parenting employees.
17What childcare resources or benefits does the company offer?
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What childcare resources or benefits does the company offer?
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Why this works
Reveals whether company provides childcare assistance, FSA, or referral services.
18How does maternity leave interact with FMLA or state leave laws?
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How does maternity leave interact with FMLA or state leave laws?
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Why this works
Shows understanding of legal protections and whether company policy exceeds requirements.
19What is the deadline for deciding whether to extend unpaid leave?
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What is the deadline for deciding whether to extend unpaid leave?
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Why this works
Provides timeline flexibility for deciding on additional time based on circumstances.
20Who should I contact if issues or questions arise during my leave?
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Who should I contact if issues or questions arise during my leave?
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Why this works
Establishes support contact and ensures you know where to get help if needed.
How to Use These Questions
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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