How to Cancel a Shift on Instawork Due to Illness and Explore Alternatives
If you're unable to work a scheduled shift on Instawork due to illness, there are multiple ways to manage your situation using the app. These steps ensure clarity and proper handling while minimizing penalties.
Late cancellations—defined as those within 24 hours of the shift start—may result in reliability score impacts, penalties, or suspension. Repeated cancellations could lead to accounts being permanently deactivated. You can cancel a shift within 15 minutes of booking it without incurring any penalties, which offers some flexibility for accidental bookings.
Canceling a Shift Due to Illness
To cancel a shift directly in the Instawork app, follow these steps:
Open the Instawork app and log in.
Tap on Shifts located at the bottom-left corner of the screen.
Go to the My Shifts section.
Select the shift in question.
Tap on "Cancel shift" and choose "I can't make it."
Scroll down and follow prompts to provide a reason and confirm by selecting "Cancel shifts."
Canceling your shift as soon as you know you can't attend helps Instawork find a replacement and minimizes the impact on your account. Late cancellations may lead to penalties but can sometimes be appealed. If a cancellation is made very close to the shift start time, it might be categorized as urgent, potentially leading to further account suspensions.
Late cancellations might also temporarily reduce access to future shifts if they occur frequently or without valid reasons.
Alternatives to Canceling a Shift
Instead of canceling the shift, you have two main alternatives:
Transfer the Shift to Another Worker: Use the Transfer Shift option within the app to pass the shift to another eligible worker.
Apply for Paid Sick Leave: If you're unable to work due to a documented illness, you may be eligible for paid sick leave. To apply: - Open the Instawork app. - Navigate to the Paid Sick Leave section from your shift details or help/support area. - Submit the required information, including proof of illness if requested. Note: Transfers are capped at three every 30 days and are subject to eligibility requirements.
When transferring a shift, ensure that the selected worker confirms the transfer, as the shift remains your responsibility until then. Additionally, paid sick leave claims should include appropriate documents such as doctor's notes or COVID test results when requested.
Impacts on Account and Appeals
Repeated or late cancellations, especially without valid reasons, can lead to account penalties or suspension. To manage such cases:
In emergencies, notify your supervisor immediately and document any communication such as messages or call logs to support your case. If the supervisor or onsite contact is unreachable, cancel via the app and file an appeal outlining your situation with documentation.
Provide a valid reason for the cancellation (e.g., illness) using the app flow.
If your account is suspended following an illness-related cancellation, submit an appeal within 24 hours. Use the app’s appeal process to describe your situation and attach any supporting documentation, such as a doctor’s note.
Additional Recommendations
Cancel Early: Whenever possible, cancel your shift well before its start time. Early cancellations allow Instawork more time to find a replacement and reduce the risk of penalties.
Explore Paid Sick Leave: Applying for paid sick leave is the best option to avoid penalties while ensuring compensation during illness, provided you're eligible.
Document Illness: Keep documentation, like a doctor's note, at hand to provide proof if needed for appeals or paid sick leave claims.
Keep your cancellation rate low to retain access to benefits like Top Pro status and preferred shift selection.
If health-related symptoms cause multiple cancellations, Instawork may require a temporary 5-day suspension, which could be reduced with proof such as a doctor's note.
By following these steps and exploring alternatives, you can manage your shifts effectively while safeguarding your account’s status.
Here's an example of how to cancel your shift in the Instawork app: