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  • February 2014
  • Background Note
  • HBS Case Collection

Furloughs: An Alternative to Layoffs for Economic Downturns

By: Sandra J. Sucher and Susan J. Winterberg
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:9
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Abstract

This note describes the practice of employee furloughs (also known as work sharing or short-time work) including their regulatory frameworks in different countries and the business and ethical implications of their use.

Keywords

Work Sharing; Furloughs; Temporary Layoff; Short Time Work; Employee Relationship Management; Job Cuts and Outsourcing

Citation

Sucher, Sandra J., and Susan J. Winterberg. "Furloughs: An Alternative to Layoffs for Economic Downturns." Harvard Business School Background Note 314-097, February 2014.
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About The Author

Sandra J. Sucher

General Management
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More from the Authors
  • Michelin’s Green Gold Bahia Program: Leaving With Grace By: Sandra J. Sucher, Shalene Gupta and Susan J. Winterberg
  • The Impact of Layoffs: Malika Amrani By: Sandra J. Sucher
  • The NCB Capital Turnaround: Waking the Sleeping Giant By: Sandra J. Sucher, Gamze Yucaoglu, Shalene Gupta and Fares Khrais
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