What To Do If You’re Furloughed

Before you view your furlough as the equivalent of a layoff, there are many things to consider. Be aware of what it really means to be furloughed, such as your continued employee benefits and potential eligibility for unemployment benefits in your state. Take your time to process any emotions of anxiety during this season of uncertainty and establish a routine to ensure you remain productive.

By Timothy Mably

As furloughs are experienced due to the current state of the economy, your industry may be affected. The economy has especially impacted the tech industry, which has seen furloughs progress into layoffs. If you’re furloughed, there are a few ways you can navigate this season of uncertainty to your advantage.

LinkedIn Top Voice Lily Zheng, who is a diversity, equity, and inclusion strategist and consultant, believes that recent layoffs in the tech industry are indicative of past “labor hoarding.” Zheng says this is a product of anxious leaders, explaining, “There continue to be many open positions and companies with an optimistic outlook that are hiring, and I strongly believe that workers right now, very much still have the power and leverage to find new jobs soon.”

Furloughs Are Not Layoffs

Don’t assume that a furlough implies you will be laid off. This isn’t always true of furloughs, which are often a result of a rapidly shifting economy. Zheng says, “While it is often useful to use the time you’re spending not working to explore new opportunities, the outcome of a furlough is ambiguous: you aren’t guaranteed to be laid off, just like you aren’t guaranteed to be rehired.”

Zheng addresses the tension of furloughs, as they can mean a number of things. Instead of automatically interpreting it for the worst, there’s a need to remain open-minded. Whether you later choose to continue working for an employer after a furlough has ended, or you’re laid off as a result, you will need to plan for both possible outcomes.?

Zheng explains, “Rather than only planning for one outcome, no matter how confidently you may feel that it will happen, make plans for either outcome that you will feel positive about.” Although you don’t have enough information to see your career development in a new light, it can still be in the back of your mind.

For the time being, consider the ways your furlough isn’t a layoff, such as the fact that you still have access to benefits. Benefits will expire after 365 days, but they can act as a buffer and provide a sense of security during a furlough. Depending on your state and employer, you may also be eligible for unemployment benefits.

Take Your Time To Process

Furloughs can understandably produce anxiety as you are in a spot of uncertainty. Unlike being laid off, you don’t have a definite answer, and your employer might not be sure what you can expect either. Your industry’s future may even be unclear, and the state of the economy might not give you much to know what to anticipate.

Although you should take steps to plan for the future, it’s important to also prioritize your well-being and mental health. If you neglect your state of being, being furloughed may be additionally challenging to endure, and you may face burnout.?

Consider reaching out to your employer or human resources to see if they offer support for furloughed employees. This will both help you to relieve anxiety and let your employer know how you’re doing with the news.

Following this stage of processing, you will build up motivation to take next steps. Since your employer is aware of how you have handled the furlough, they may be more helpful in this stage. Zheng says, ”Once you’re ready to act, start by requesting permission from your supervisor or manager to save your best work. You may need to redact proprietary information or otherwise alter your work product before you’re allowed to make personal copies. Alongside this, ensure that you exchange contact information with your colleagues, especially those who have worked closely with you in your role.”

If your employer or HR aren’t able to provide help, reach out to family and friends who can bear the burden alongside you. Although they may not be able to assist you in your professional journey, they can be there for you on a personal level. Either way, creating space to deal with the emotional impact of a furlough will prepare you for the future.?

Zheng says, “Take the time you need as an individual to process the news however you need to. A furlough, like any change in job status, can feel destabilizing and stressful. Processing the news with trusted friends, family, or colleagues can help you feel more grounded as you plan your next steps.”

Establish A Routine

During your furlough, establish a routine to sustain you through a time of uncertainty. As you process the information, you may forget about maintaining a schedule. Without regular professional responsibilities, it can be easy to lose productivity. By finding a routine that works for you, you will start to develop self-discipline and have a sense of order to your day.

Founder of Victoria Wobber Coaching and Consulting, LLC, Victoria Wobber says, “Find habits that sustain themselves because they're rewarding, and for those that aren't as self-sustaining, be ready to keep focus on them until the practices feel easier.”

Just like grieving the potential loss of a job, the lack of regular rhythms can steal energy you can spend productively. Your routine should incorporate a top priority for you to structure it around. Wobber says, “In terms of tasks, I absolutely recommend having a ‘top priority’ — each quarter, each month, and each day. Take the time to step back and reflect on what it is, regularly, so that you know what your priority is.”

Throughout the season, you will gain perspective and determine whether it’s the right move to start looking for new work, or wait out the rest of the furlough. Despite the stress that comes with a furlough, it doesn’t have to prevent you from remaining productive and planning for the future of your career.

Top Takeaways

How can you navigate a furlough to your benefit?

• Furloughs don’t always lead to layoffs, and are often a result of a rapidly shifting economy.
• Consider the ways your furlough isn’t a layoff, such as the fact that you still have access to benefits through your employer.
• Depending on your state and employer, you may also be eligible for unemployment benefits.
• Although you should take steps to plan for the future, it’s important to also prioritize your wellbeing and mental health. Reach out to your employer, HR, coworkers, family, or friends to help process the news with.
• Just like grieving the potential loss of a job, the lack of regular rhythms can steal energy you can spend productively. Create a routine with a top priority in mind to keep your thoughts on how you can take charge of the future.