Types of Shifts on Instawork
Instawork offers several different types of shifts to match your skills and schedule preferences. Understanding the differences between these shift types will help you choose the right opportunities and know what to expect when you arrive.
Standard Shifts
Standard shifts are the most common type of shifts available on Instawork, covering warehouse, retail merchandising, and hospitality positions.
What to expect:
- Shift durations typically range from 4 to 10 hours
- An on-site representative from the business will be present to provide instructions and set expectations
- In some cases, an Instawork Captain may be on-site to assist with clock-in or clock-out issues
- Specific attire requirements and equipment may be needed (always check the shift details)
Standard shifts follow our regular payment schedule. [Learn more about payment schedules and options](link to payment article).
Task-Based Shifts
Our retail partners primarily offer task-based shifts and involve completing specific tasks at store locations.
What to expect:
- Shorter durations, typically ranging from 30 minutes to 2 hours
- Self-guided work with detailed instructions provided before your shift
- No dedicated point of contact to help with the task itself
- You may need to check in with store personnel to sign a vendor sheet or obtain materials (such as pricing labels or security tags)
- These shifts usually involve:
- Taking pictures of products at display stands
- Refilling products in partner-sponsored displays
- Adding security tags to merchandise
- To complete your shift, you'll need to fill out a survey when clocking out or sign into the partner's website using the credentials provided to you
Task-based shifts follow our regular payment schedule, though Instapay may not be available for some of these shifts. Learn more about payment options here: https://help.instawork.com/en/articles/7245785-updating-payment-settings-us
Anytime Shifts
Anytime shifts are offered by retail partners and share similarities with task-based shifts, but with more flexibility in when you complete them.
What to expect:
- Must be completed within a specific timeframe (ranging from one week to 30 days)
- May require visiting multiple locations during the assigned timeframe
- Self-guided work with detailed instructions
- Survey completion is typically required
For anytime shifts, payment is processed after you've completed all assigned locations within a single shift. Once completed, payments are processed according to our standard payment schedule. Please note that Instapay may not be available for these shifts. Learn more about payment options here: https://help.instawork.com/en/articles/7245785-updating-payment-settings-us
Choosing the Right Shift Type for You
When deciding which shifts to book:
- Consider your schedule flexibility and availability
- Review the complete shift details before booking
- Check if you have the required attire or equipment
- Understand the payment timeline for each shift type