Furloughs are temporary leave of absence granted to employees due to various reasons like budget cuts, pandemics, or restructuring plans. There are several synonyms for the word furloughs, including sabbatical, leave of absence, hiatus, layoff, and temporary suspension. These terms connote an involuntary situation of having to take time off from work, often without pay. The word "sabbatical" is sometimes used to describe a planned break from work for the purpose of travel or professional development. "Leave of absence" is another term used frequently interchangeably with furloughs. Whichever term is used; the result is the same - a pause in work for a period of time.