Furloughing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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furloughing
[ˈfɜrloʊɪŋ ]
Definition
employment status
Furloughing refers to a temporary leave of absence from work that is typically initiated by an employer, often due to economic reasons. Employees may be furloughed instead of being laid off, allowing them to retain their employment status while being temporarily relieved from their job duties. During furloughs, employees are usually not paid, but they may retain certain benefits. This practice aims to reduce costs while intending to bring employees back when business conditions improve.
Synonyms
layoff, leave of absence, temporary suspension.
Examples of usage
- The company announced mass furloughing due to the pandemic.
- Furloughing employees saves money in uncertain times.
- Many organizations are resorting to furloughing instead of layoffs.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term comes from the Dutch word 'verlof', meaning leave or permission.
- Furloughs became common during wartime when businesses needed to reduce their workforce temporarily.
- Accelerated use of the word in the U.S. post-World War II reflected workforce changes in the industrial sector.
Economic Impact
- Furloughing workers can reduce immediate labor costs for companies during financial downturns.
- Many governments have implemented furlough schemes to protect jobs during economic crises such as recessions.
- The COVID-19 pandemic saw widespread use of furloughing to mitigate mass layoffs while retaining talent.
Legal Context
- In the U.S., furloughing is often used as a strategy to comply with labor regulations while managing costs.
- Employees on furlough may retain benefits such as health insurance depending on company policies.
- Laws regarding furloughing can vary greatly by country, influencing employee rights and company obligations.
Pop Culture
- Furloughs have been depicted in various movies and TV shows, often reflecting the challenges of job loss.
- The concept often appears in discussions about work-life balance, especially during economic downturns.
- In the 2020 Netflix series 'Waffle + Mochi', furloughs are briefly touched upon in the context of food industry workers.
Psychological Effects
- Being furloughed can lead to feelings of uncertainty and anxiety among employees regarding their future.
- Some studies show temporary breaks may provide workers with opportunities for personal development during downtime.
- Mental health support is crucial for furloughed employees to cope with changes in routine and income.
Origin of 'furloughing'
The term 'furlough' originates from the Dutch word 'verloof', which means 'leave' or 'permission'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century and initially referred to a leave of absence granted to a soldier. Over time, the meaning expanded to include time off granted to employees in various sectors, particularly in military contexts and then in civilian employment. In modern usage, furloughing has become a significant concept during economic downturns or crises, where organizations need to adjust their workforce costs without losing skilled employees permanently.