Revolutionizing work or eroding well-being? The impact of technical demand on older employees' health in digital work transformation

Jiannan Li and Bocong Yuan

International Journal of Manpower, 2026, vol. 47, issue 3, 538-554

Abstract: PurposeThis study investigates how telework, propelled by workplace information technology advancements, exacerbates mental health challenges among older employees (aged 50 years and above). It examines whether workplace technical demands mediate this relationship and how access to workplace information facilities may influence these dynamics.Design/methodology/approachThis study analyzes micro-level data from the Survey of Health, Ageing, and Retirement in Europe (SHARE, Wave 8) using linear regression models to assess the proposed associations.FindingsThe results indicate that telework is positively associated with higher workplace technical demands. These demands, in turn, are associated with increased mental health risks for older employees. Access to workplace information facilities appears to strengthen the positive relationship between telework and technical demands.Originality/valueThis research provides an early empirical focus on older employees' mental health in the context of telework. It is among the first to identify workplace technical demand as a mediating factor and to explore the moderation role of workplace information facility accessibility. The findings offer new insights into how telework may pose distinct challenges for the aging workforce.

Keywords: Occupational health and safety; Older worker; Work pattern; Work practice; Workplace (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:eme:ijmpps:ijm-03-2025-0225

DOI: 10.1108/IJM-03-2025-0225

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