Pronunciation: [ˌɒn fˈɜːlə͡ʊ] (IPA) 
The phrase "on furlough" is spelled as /ɒn ˈfɜːləʊ/. The word "furlough" comes from the Dutch word "verlof," which translates to "leave of absence." It is pronounced as /ˈfɜːləʊ/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "o" in "furlough" is pronounced as /ɜː/, which sounds like "er" in "her." When using this term, it is essential to note that it is a temporary leave of absence granted to employees.
On furlough refers to a temporary leave of absence granted to an employee, particularly from work or military service, for a specific period of time. During this period, the employee is usually not required to perform their regular duties, typically due to circumstances beyond their control. Furloughs may be enforced by the employer or authorized by the government during times of economic uncertainty, financial difficulties, or crisis situations.
When an employee is placed on furlough, they are usually given the assurance that their job will be restored at the end of the designated furlough period. This term most commonly arises in the context of employer-initiated furloughs, where organizations may be experiencing significant losses or reduced operational capacity. By placing employees on furlough, employers aim to minimize costs while keeping the workforce intact.
During a furlough, employees may be eligible to receive some form of compensation or financial assistance, such as unemployment benefits or reduced pay through government-funded schemes. However, specific arrangements and benefits can vary depending on the policies and regulations of different countries or organizations.
The concept of furlough also extends to military personnel, wherein members are temporarily relieved of their duties and granted a leave of absence. This allows them time to rest, recharge, and attend to personal matters, with a guarantee of returning to active duty at the end of the furlough period.
In summary, being on furlough denotes a temporary, unpaid or reduced-duty leave granted to employees or military personnel during times of economic downturn, crisis, or organizational constraints, with the expectation of returning to normal operations once the designated period ends.
The word "furlough" comes from the Dutch word "verlof", which means "leave" or "permission". The term was first recorded in English usage in the early 17th century. It originally referred to a military leave of absence or temporary release from duty granted to soldiers. The word gradually extended its meaning to include temporary leave granted to employees from their regular work or to prisoners from confinement. "On furlough" simply means one is granted or taking a period of authorized leave from their duty or work obligations.
