New York state-based electronics recycler Sunnking transitioned to a four-day workweek and is hoping others follow.
“Sunnking hopes to lead the way for other waste management companies to give their hard-working employees the work culture they deserve,” a press release noted, adding that the operational change is the first known announcement of a long-term structural shift by a recycler.
As of April 2022, only 31 companies within the U.S. used a four-day workweek, according to Newsweek.
The change went into effect Feb. 6 for both Sunnking’s western and central New York facilities. Robert Burns, Sunnking’s director of marketing, said employees are now working four 10-hour shifts, with breaks spread throughout the day.
Adam Shine, president of Sunnking, said in the press release that “time is the most valuable commodity we have in life, and we want this to be a benefit for the employees that work so hard throughout the week.”
“We perceive this as a perk to working at our company and in an industry directly impacting our overall future,” he said.
The company spent months reviewing the effect of a four-day workweek on employee well-being and productivity and also surveyed employees before making the change. The press release noted that 78% of employees with four-day workweeks are happier and less stressed, according to Four Day Week Global.
The change will not affect business pick-up schedules or residential recycling options.
“It fits our company culture, which is progressive and accepting of new ideas,” Shine said. “To our team members, Fridays are your day; whatever you want to do, spend them how you like.”
