Should I Stay or Should I Go? Part Nine: Furlough

“Not something that I have had personal experience in, but certainly something that I have experienced through friends and family recently. Interestingly I have witnessed it from a positive perspective, and a negative perspective, so felt given this article, I’d reflect on my observations of furlough. Initially a friend who ran a business felt that they would be forced to furlough staff as the business wouldn’t be able to stay viable, and in a similar way the redundancy fills business owners with dread, my friend was experiencing the same, not quite the same, but similar, effectively offering reduced pay (but in some situations no pay), technically retaining the employees, rather than conducting a full redundancy programme, helping the business weather a financial storm. But giving the business owner the same worries of losing staff, as they are experiencing the job uncertainty that comes with redundancy consultation.

The other perspective I had was with an employee, who was more relieved than worried about their situation, knowing they had a role to return to made them feel positive about the situation. They did have a good relationship with the business owner, and as such the communication was good with the employees, and that made the staff feel like they were doing ‘their bit’ to help out the employer. A fine example of communication in a business providing information and a loyal group of employees.”

The Coaches comments...

Furlough is a word many of us had not heard of before this pandemic. Initially, the rules were very confusing for businesses and employees alike, so there was a lot of worry and uncertainty.

It’s important that all parties need to keep the lines of communications open throughout the furlough period. This will ensure everyone has a clear picture of the current situation, i.e. the likelihood of returning to work, when this might be and under what arrangements.

When returning, there may be all the same worries and concerns as returning from long-term sick, but there’s also the added concerns about workplace safety. You’ll want the assurance that the organisation has all the necessary protocols and arrangements in place. It would be normal to have concerns about your health and safety, and you’ll want to understand any risks that returning to work might have on you or your family. It’s important that you communicate these concerns so that you can receive the assurances you need.

The Therapist’s View…

 “Being furloughed” ... it is something few of us even contemplated before 2020. It is a foreign word and a foreign concept to most of us. And it brings all the uncertainty and fear of how the system will work, when it will end, is everyone being furloughed, if not, why me? And all in the context of a global pandemic with the anxiety, strangeness and isolation that brought.

 Again, communication and connection are so important. Keeping involved with your company and colleagues may help you feel “normal” and not alone. And gives a sense of security and continuity that we all need.

“To summarise, there are always two sides to everything, and in work it is no different. Employment in the current world involves so much more than it did in the past, and the way employees are dealt with has changed massively, however the feelings and emotions that are associated with our work have not really changed as much. Even at my lowest low, I always try to view change as an opportunity, positively embracing my view that everything happens for a reason.”

Written by Neil Lagden,

With "Coaches comments" from Tracey Latteman and with "Therapist’s Views" from Philippa Richardson