A four day working week will be trialled across the UK with a view to see if productivity increases as well as a better work-life balance.
This pilot scheme is a six-month trial in the UK, with a start date of June 1, meaning employees will work four days a week with no loss in pay - but with a view of completing 100 per cent of work out put.
It runs alongside similar pilot schemes taking place in Ireland, set to start in February, the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.
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The New Zealand-based non-profit 4 Day Week Global is leading the pilot in partnership with think tank Autonomy, the 4 Day Week UK Campaign, along with researchers at Oxford University, Boston College and Cambridge University.
Joe O'Connor, pilot programme manager for 4 Day Week Global, told the ECHO that the trial is still in its early stages and they are looking for companies to register their interest.
He added that companies that do sign up will receive support throughout the trial in terms of training, mentoring and research - a trial which has been successful in several countries so far.
Recruitment is starting now and any company in any industry can apply as long as employees commit to giving 100 per cent of their work output for 80 per cent of the time.
Hundreds of companies across the UK have already expressed an interest with around 30 companies wanting to take part.
Mr O'Connor said: "There are a range of benefits from across company levels to employees and also the broader environmental aspects and social aspects.
"For companies, a four-day working week is good for productivity, it leads to a more focused, more motivated and energised workforce who work smarter for longer.
"For employees, there would be a great work-life balance, better life satisfaction and work satisfaction, people can spend more time with their family, in the community and pursue other interest and hobbies.
"For the environment, there's a clear link between working time and carbon emissions. We would be looking closely in our research to see if it really is the case that working less intensely. leads to people living less intensely.
"Most companies already used in the trial have proved that such a transition leads to increased motivation and productivity.
"In the UK, it was only announced recently but we've had hundreds of companies sign up for more information with our information events starting in February."
4 Day Week Global reports that 78 per cent of employees with four-day work weeks are happier and less stressed and 63 per cent of businesses found it easier to attract and retain talent with a four-day work week.
The not for profit organisation says we are "overdue an update" and the four-day work week is a reduction in the work week from a standard 40 hours to 32 hours for the same pay and benefits - a reduction that has been proven to work for employees and employers.
The UK pilot includes regular workshops, mentoring, networking and regular well-being and productivity assessments.
From February to March there will be a rollout of information sessions on the pilot programme that any company across the UK can sign up for.
On March 31, this will be the deadline for signing up to the first phase of the pilot programme and in April, preparation, training and onboarding sessions will begin.
In May, there will be an establishment baseline metrics for the research aspects of the pilot and the scheme will begin in June and will run up until December.
Companies wishing to take part can find out more information by clicking here.
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