Pronunciation: [fˈɜːlə͡ʊz] (IPA) 
The word "furloughs" is spelled as "/fɜːləʊz/". The symbol "/" indicates the phonetic sounds of the word. The first sound is "f" which is pronounced as /f/. The vowel sound is the "ur" sound as in "hurt" which is represented as /ɜː/. The "l" is pronounced as /l/ and "o" is pronounced as /əʊ/. Lastly, the "s" is pronounced as /z/. "Furloughs" refers to a temporary leave of absence granted to an employee due to budget cuts.
Furloughs refer to temporary leaves of absence or unpaid time off granted to employees by their employers, typically in response to economic hardship, business slowdowns, or specific circumstances affecting the workplace. It is a temporary arrangement aimed at reducing labor costs without having to resort to permanent layoffs or terminations. During a furlough, employees are typically still considered to be in employment but are not required to work or receive pay.
Furloughs can be implemented in various ways, depending on the specific workplace and legal frameworks surrounding employment. They may be mandatory, wherein employees are mandated to take a certain amount of time off, or voluntary, offering employees the choice to take a furlough if they desire. Typically, employers may specify a duration for the furlough period, such as a few weeks, months, or longer. Employers may also institute rotating furloughs, where employees each take turns being furloughed.
While on furlough, employees may have access to certain employment benefits, such as healthcare or retirement plans, depending on the policies and agreements in place. Additionally, furloughed employees may qualify for unemployment benefits or other forms of government assistance during their temporary leave. Employers often use furloughs as a way to navigate economic downturns or unexpected circumstances, preserving the workforce and minimizing the long-term impact on the organization.
The word "furloughs" originates from the Dutch word "verlof", which means "permission" or "leave". It entered English in the 17th century during the Anglo-Dutch wars when the Dutch military term "verlofbrief" (literally "leave letter") was borrowed. Over time, the term evolved and was anglicized to "furlough", referring to a temporary leave of absence granted to a soldier. Eventually, the term expanded beyond the military context and came to be used in various industries to describe temporary leaves or suspensions from work.
