What does discharge refer to in employment terms?

In employment terms, discharge specifically refers to the termination of an employee's contract or position with a company. This process typically involves the employer formally ending the employee's tenure due to various reasons, such as performance issues, policy violations, or organizational changes. Discharge can be initiated by the employer, distinguishing it from voluntary resignation, where an employee chooses to leave the job on their own accord.

The other options illustrate scenarios related to employment but do not align with the definition of discharge. For instance, voluntary resignation involves the employee making the choice to leave, while a formal warning addresses an employee's performance without necessarily ending their employment. Similarly, a reduction in working hours pertains to altering the work schedule rather than terminating the employment itself. Thus, in this context, discharge is most accurately represented by the termination of employment.