Absence refers to an external workforce member's inability to fulfill their work commitments, whether due to illness, personal reasons, or unforeseen circumstances. Unlike permanent employees, absence in external workers may not always follow a formal leave process, making it essential for organizations to have flexible yet well-defined absence reporting mechanisms in place.

In external workforce management, unplanned absences can disrupt project delivery, especially when talent with niche skills is involved. Employers often use technology-enabled platforms to track attendance, manage schedules, and identify patterns of absenteeism. Transparent communication about absence policies and contingency planning ensures minimal disruption and maintains workflow continuity.