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.
Multi-Day Shift Assignments
Some standard shifts are part of multi-day assignments where you work at the same location across multiple days.
What to expect:
The Partner may request the same Pro for all days to maintain consistency.
In other cases, different Pros may be matched to each shift in the series.
When you're matched to all days in a multi-day assignment:
You're expected to work all scheduled days.
Special cancellation rules apply (you cannot cancel individual days). Click here to explore the details.
You'll build familiarity with the location and team.
Multi-day assignments follow our regular payment schedule, with each shift paid according to the standard timeline.
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.
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)
You don't have a specific start time. You can arrive at the location at any time that works for you, as long as the work is completed and submitted before the deadline listed in the shift details.
Note: You may receive notifications when the shift window opens; these are just reminders that you can now start the work, not indications that you are late!
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.
Long Term Shifts
Long-term shifts allow you to work at the same business for 30 days or more. This article explains how it works and why you might want to try it.
What are Long-Term shifts?
Picking up a long-term shift means:
You commit to work multiple shifts at one business
The shifts follow a regular schedule
The commitment lasts at least 30 days
You get consistent work without having to search for new shifts
How to Find and Apply for Long-Term Shifts
Long-term shifts require an application:
1. Look for shifts with a "Long-Term" tag in the app
2. Tap on the shift to see all the dates in the series
3. Tap "Apply" to start the application process
4. Answer questions about your availability and experience
5. Submit your application
6. If approved, you'll be notified to book the shifts
Benefits of Long-Term Shifts:
Steady income for weeks or months
Less time spent searching for shifts
Build relationships with one business
Potential for permanent job offers
Learn the job once and get better at it
What to Know Before Accepting
When you take a long-term shift:
You can request up to 3 days off per month
You must give notice at least 3 days before the day off
The business must approve your time-off request - Click here to explore the details.
You're expected to show up for all other scheduled shifts
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