Do you live to work or work to live? OK, so in reality it's rarely as cut and dried as that but most of us go to work every day, generally feeling lucky if it's a job we enjoy, but often not realising that we're entitled to so much more than just a salary in return.

From pensions and maternity pay to benefit schemes, flexible working options, health insurance and equal pay and rights - ensuring you get what you deserve at work should be a top priority for the New Year.

Information is power

'Start by getting yourself as informed as possible about what you are entitled to,' advises Cathy Monaghan, head of HR consulting at employment consultant PES. This includes researching both your rights in the workplace and what your employer has to offer.

'Visit the Equal Opportunities Commission website www.eoc.org.uk or www.direct.gov.uk/employment to familiarise yourself with employment law,' says Monaghan. 'This outlines everything from your rights for flexible working through to procedures for dealing with sexual harassment and age discrimination.'

Take maternity rights as an example - if your baby is born before 1 April 2007 you're entitled to six months' ordinary maternity leave and six additional months' maternity leave, no matter how long you've worked at the company.

However, the law is changing - if your baby arrives on or after 1 April 2007 you are entitled to statutory maternity pay for 39 weeks, rather than 26 weeks. Arming yourself with knowledge of your legal entitlements like this immediately puts you in a position of power.

Enhanced benefits

Dig out your contract of employment to find out the benefits, requirements and grievance procedures specific to your company. 'If you're not sure of something – don't be afraid to ask questions,' adds Monaghan.

Statutory maternity pay is £105 a week, for example, yet some companies offer enhanced schemes and will make up payments so you receive an income nearer to your salary, while others award a bonus on your return to work.

It can often feel like you're fitting your family around work, but it is possible to achieve a balance. Find out about flexible working options – working full or part-time from home; job sharing; reduced hours; even tax-free childcare vouchers.

If your employer doesn't offer such options, talk to other colleagues who are parents and suggest that a scheme is introduced.

Personal contract

In addition to your employment contract, Monaghan suggests drawing up a contract with yourself. Make rules and stick to them – for example, 'I'll always make time to watch the school nativity play.'

'Providing you talk to your line manager about your boundaries in advance – there shouldn't be a problem when they arise,' explains Monaghan. 'I make a rule that my daughter comes first, even at work – so recently when my daughter had a problem at school and my work phone was ringing, the decision was simple.'

Learn to delegate

Women are starting to get a better deal with the state pension but if you are confused about your entitlements, the Pensions Advisory Service (www.pensionsadvisoryservice.org.uk / 0845 601 2923) has recently launched a dedicated service for women. A new free booklet 'Know your rights and options' is also available.

But when it comes to your occupational pension scheme and other financial benefits such as health insurance, Monaghan advises speaking to an independent financial advisor. Find a local IFA regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA) by visiting www.unbiased.co.uk.

'Joining your company pension scheme should generally be a no-brainer because employers make contributions. But an IFA will be able to see straightaway whether you are offered a good scheme, and if not they will search the whole market of providers for a plan to meet your needs.'

Make your life easier by recognising where you can delegate to others. 'IFAs charge a fee but you'll have on-call independent advice to help with any financial concerns – which is worth the worry it removes.'

Value for money

The extras are important, but the amount of money we take home each month will always be top priority for most of us. Our salaries reflect how valued we feel by our employer and are a recognition of our skills, knowledge and experience.

If you are concerned about your pay, build a solid case to support the level of pay you feel you deserve. Think about how your role has evolved since you started the job or your last pay rise and gather some proof, such as projects you've been involved in, extra responsibilities you've taken on or a prolonged increase in workload.

Arrange a meeting with your line manager to discuss it but go with an open attitude and be prepared to negotiate. As with any issue at work, Monaghan advises a calm approach. 'Going in all guns blazing, making demands will not get results. If it helps, write a script or some notes, and professionally put your point across – don't jump to conclusions and don't start crying!'

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