Four-Day Work Week and Occupational Stress: A Mixed- Method Study of Older Workers

The Four-Day Work Week (FDWW) is gaining popularity
among businesses and the public in the United Kingdom
(UK), driven by optimistic indicators (e.g. increased business
productivity) from the six-month FDWW trial (the trial) (4
DAY WEEK GLOBAL, 2022). FDWW based on the
'100:80:100 principle' is in its infancy (i.e. 80% of working
time and 100% salary in return for maintaining 100%
productivity); evidence on its impact remains scarce,
especially regarding its shortcomings. Though FDWW offers
workers more time for leisure without impairing earning
capacity (Kallis et al., 2013), it leads to tighter schedules for
workers (CITYA.M., 2022). Time pressure can then reinforce
occupational stress for workers (Demerouti et al., 2001),
especially for older workers normally perceived as less
adaptable (Van Dalen et al., 2010; Rix, 2001). However, no
previous study has investigated the impact of FDWW on older
workers (Bird, 2009). Such research gaps should be filled for
their significance to three issues today: equality, healthy
ageing and economic recovery. This study therefore explores
whether FDWW imposes occupational stress on older workers
through sequential explanatory approach.