My Company Hired My Replacement While I Was On Maternity Leave And Now Won’t Respond—what Are My Options?

I’m looking for advice on how to handle a situation with my employer following protected leave.

I’m in a senior HR role at a mid-sized company and have been there for several years with consistent positive performance, raises, and bonuses.

I went out on maternity leave late last year. During my leave, my work systems remained active.

Shortly after, I learned the company hired another person into my same role/title. Around that time, several issues began:

- I was locked out of systems and had to make multiple requests to receive my tax documents

- I was not provided open enrollment information despite requesting it

- I was paid in error, which impacted my state benefits, and I have not received documentation needed to resolve it

- I’ve been unable to access paystubs needed for a mortgage

I later took additional leave related to the stress of the situation, which was approved without much follow-up.

Over the past several weeks, I’ve reached out multiple times to confirm my return-to-work plan and get updates—no response.

I’ve also learned that others in similar roles are fully remote, while my role was previously hybrid, and I’m concerned there may be changes upon return.

At this point, I’m trying to understand my options if they continue to ignore me:

- Should I report to work as planned even without confirmation?

- Does this raise red flags legally (e.g., failure to reinstate, constructive termination)?

- Is negotiating a separation realistic, or should I consider formal complaints?

I have a general understanding of HR/legal basics but would appreciate outside perspective.

Location: New Jersey