What term refers to a worker who fails to appear for work when scheduled?

The term that refers to a worker who fails to appear for work when scheduled is absenteeism. This concept is important in business studies as it directly impacts a company's productivity and operations. Absenteeism is a critical issue for organizations, as unplanned absences can lead to a variety of challenges, including disrupted workflow, decreased morale among coworkers, and increased costs related to hiring temporary staff or covering shifts.

Understanding absenteeism helps businesses implement effective strategies to manage employee attendance and improve workforce reliability. It also highlights the need for monitoring attendance trends to identify underlying issues, such as job dissatisfaction or workplace health problems, that may contribute to a higher rate of absenteeism. This makes it a key consideration for human resource management.

In contrast, the other terms do not relate to the concept of failing to attend work. Attendance refers to the act of being present at work, performance relates to how well an employee executes their job responsibilities, and delegation is the process of assigning responsibilities to others within a team or organization. These distinctions emphasize why absenteeism is the correct choice in this context.