Furlough

Furlough refers to a temporary leave from work without pay that is granted to an employee for a specific period of time. It is usually authorized by the employer during times of financial hardship, reduced workload or unforeseen circumstances that force business closure. During the term of a furlough, employees are not allowed to work and are not entitled to receive their regular pay, but they may have access to other employment benefits.

Furloughs can be mandatory or voluntary, depending on the company's policies and the employee's agreement. In some cases, employers may offer furloughs as a cost-cutting strategy to avoid layoffs. Furloughed employees may be eligible for unemployment benefits from the government or can choose to use accrued vacation time or personal time during the period of leave.

Furloughs can be challenging for employees, as they disrupt the normal work routine and can lead to financial difficulties. However, they may also provide an opportunity for employees to take a break from work and engage in personal development activities such as training or education. Overall, the specifics of furloughs depend on the company policies, the employee agreement, and the reason for the leave.