Being agreeable excuses the worker (8)
I believe the answer is:
pleasant
'being agreeable' is the definition.
(similar in meaning)
'excuses the worker' is the wordplay.
'excuses' becomes 'pleas' (I've seen this in another clue).
'the worker' becomes 'ant' (worker is a type of ant).
'pleas'+'ant'='PLEASANT'
(Other definitions for pleasant that I've seen before include "Delightful" , "Enjoyable, agreeable" , "Attractive" , "Likeable, friendly" , "Lovely" .)