It depends on the type of employee. Nonexempt employees, who are paid an hourly wage, can be furloughed by reducing the hours they work in a week. However, they must still be paid for the reduced hours that they do work. Exempt employees, who are paid a predetermined salary, generally cannot be paid if they are furloughed. Should they do any work at all during the furlough, they must be paid their full weekly salary, with certain exceptions. They also retain their job benefits, such as healthcare.