Gradual reduction in hours is which term?

• A. Retirement
• B. Unplanned Retirement
• C. Full Retirement
• D. Phased Retirement

Answer: (D)

Gradual reduction in hours is described by phased retirement, a transition approach that lets a worker scale back over time rather than leave all at once. In practice, someone might move from full-time to part-time, reduce duties, and continue to receive partial pay and benefits while mentoring others and handing off tasks. This staged path helps preserve knowledge within the organization, supports the employee’s adjustment to retirement, and maintains continuity for the employer. The other terms don’t fit as well: retirement or full retirement imply complete withdrawal from work, and unplanned retirement refers to an unexpected departure rather than a planned transition.