4.28.25
By Jennifer Jacobus, PHRca, SDEA CEO 
Imagine this:
You’re heading into your busiest quarter of the year. Your lead customer service manager—who knows all the systems, trains new hires, and keeps the team running smoothly—lets you know they’ll be taking a medical leave effective immediately. No notice. No backup. No process in place.
You pause.
You open Google.
You try to search “California leave laws,” but five tabs in, you’re buried in acronyms: CFRA, FMLA, PDL, ADA.
Your head is spinning. Do they qualify? Do you have to pay them? Can you replace them temporarily? What if you do it wrong?
Now you’re worried about compliance risks.
You’re not sure how to communicate with the employee.
You’re not sure what you can legally ask—or what you shouldn’t say.
This is where SDEA steps in.
With SDEA Membership, You’re Not Alone
As a member, one call or email connects you directly with an HR expert who knows California leave laws inside and out.
- We walk you through exactly what type of leave applies (it’s often more than one!)
- We provide step-by-step guidance for handling documentation and timelines
- We help you manage communication with the employee professionally and legally
- We give you templates and checklists to stay compliant and reduce liability
- We even advise on how to temporarily reassign duties or bring in extra help
You stay focused on running your business—we handle the HR maze.
The Bottom Line
In a world of evolving leave laws and rising employee expectations, even one misstep can cost time, money, and peace of mind. But with SDEA in your corner, you have the trusted HR partner you need to navigate challenges with confidence.
Imagine a Better Scenario:
One where you don’t have to figure it all out on your own.
Let’s make that your reality.
Join SDEA today
858-505-0024
