Furloughing is a term that has become increasingly common in the workplace due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The word is spelled with six letters, starting with the letter "F" and ending with the letter "G". It is pronounced /fəˈlɒʊɪŋ/ (fə-LOH-ing) in IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable, "fur", is pronounced with a short "u" sound, while the second syllable, "lough", is pronounced with a long "o" sound. The final syllable, "ing", is pronounced with an "ih" sound.
Furloughing refers to a temporary or forced leave of absence from work, typically granted to employees by their employer during times of financial hardship, organizational restructuring, or unforeseen circumstances. It involves a period of time when employees are not required to work and are temporarily relieved from their job responsibilities, with the expectation that they will return to work at a later date.
The purpose of furloughing is often to provide cost savings to organizations facing financial challenges, while avoiding permanent layoffs or terminations of employees. During the furlough period, employees are typically not paid their regular wages, although they may still be eligible to receive certain benefits such as healthcare coverage or pension contributions. Furloughs can vary in duration, from a few days to several weeks or even months, depending on the specific circumstances and needs of the employer.
While furloughed, employees are often required to adhere to certain conditions, such as not seeking alternative employment during the furlough period, and being available for recall or returning to work when notified. The decision to furlough employees is typically made by employers based on their assessment of the financial situation and overall business needs. Furloughing is commonly used as a short-term measure to navigate challenging economic conditions, with the intention of rehiring employees once the organization's circumstances improve.
The word "furloughing" originated from the Middle Dutch word "verlof" meaning "leave of absence" or "permission". It entered the English language in the early 17th century as "furlow", which referred to a military term meaning "a temporary leave of absence granted to a soldier". Over time, the term evolved into "furlough" and expanded its meaning to include temporary leave granted to employees or workers. The verb form "furloughing" emerged from this noun in modern English.