Government-backed trials are set to take place in Spain and Scotland later this year, the 4 Day Week Campaign said in a press release.

Joe O'Connor, CEO of 4 Day Week Global, said that the workers have shown they can work "shorter and smarter."

*

"As we emerge from the pandemic, more and more companies are recognizing that the new frontier for competition is quality of life, and that reduced-hour, output-focused working is the vehicle to give them a competitive edge," he said in the statement.

Researchers will measure the impact the new working pattern will have on productivity levels, gender equality, the environment as well as worker well-being.