Every shift is an opportunity to show off your work, learn new things, and improve your skills. At the end of every shift, you get to rate the Instawork Partner. The Instawork Partner also gets to rate you and provide specific feedback that will help you improve your work in future shifts.
Here’s what each area of feedback means:
Cell phone usage:
Using your cell phone during the shift is inappropriate. It distracts you and other workers from the task at hand. It’s also considered poor hygiene to use mobile phones during a shift as they can contribute to food contamination. Once you’re checked-in to the shift, put your mobile phone away and only use it during breaks or at the end of the shift. You can get sent home due to inappropriate usage of cell phone.
Incorrect attire:
Every shift is unique and may require specific attire. Pay attention to the shift instructions on the shifts booking page for the requested dress code: Black bistro, White bistro, Non-slip shoes, etc. and any other instructions.
It’s absolutely critical that you follow the shift instructions and wear the correct attire every time. It’s also important to maintain some basic level of hygiene:
Wear clean clothes. No stains or dirty/soiled fabric
No body odor or heavy perfume/cologne
Keep nails short and clean
If you have long hair, tie it back in a ponytail or bun
Remember that appearances matter! You can get sent home due to having incorrect attire.
Punctuality/ Left early
When you accept a shift, you’re making a commitment to work for the specific shiftduration (from start to end time).
Start time is when you’re supposed to start working, not when you arrive at the shift. Make sure you arrive 10-15 min before the shift starts to give yourself enough time to check in and get ready. Instawork Partners are counting on you to start working right on time. You can get sent home if you are late.
End time is when you’re supposed to end the shift in the app and communicate with your shift contact that you’re about to leave. Unless the shift contact allows you to leave early, or in case of an emergency (make sure you communicate with your shift contact), you should stay until the end of the shift. Instawork Partners are also counting on you to help them out until the end of the shift. It’s not best practice to leave the shift early without warning.
Skills need improvement
We know you are a professional and you have great skills. But sometimes skills don’t match up to Partners' expectations. For example:
You've worked as a bartender at a beer and wine bar only and the bartender shift you booked requires someone who knows how to make elaborate drinks like a Mai Tai or Moscow Mule. You've never made a Mai Tai or Moscow Mule before.
You have your own way of cutting vegetables and the kitchen staff expects you to display specific knife skills different than what you're used to. It takes you a lot longer to follow their way.
You've always worked as a server in casual restaurants and the server shift you booked is at a Country Club where a "ballet of serving" is required and you have no idea of what that means.
The same goes for other positions that require specific skills. Take this feedback as an opportunity to learn and develop new skills for future shifts.
Speed:
Every business moves at its own pace. Some events flow very easily and others can feel hectic and fast-paced. No matter the pace of the shift, always do your best to move fast. Get things done quickly and move on to new tasks. Speed is always the name of the game.
Not following instructions:
Instawork Partners can be very particular about what needs to be done during the shift as well as HOW it should be done. They will want you to follow their instructions because that’s how they’re used to running their business. Even though you know your craft and you’ve been doing it your way for a while, they expect you to follow their lead and do things their way. Be open-minded and flexible. Accept new ideas and take time to learn new ways of doing things.
Professionalism
“A smile goes a long way” as they say. It’s important to have a positive attitude during the shift and work well with others. Leave your ego at home. When you work a shift, you're agreeing to be a flexible team player who is proactive and helpful, always looking for extra ways to help other Instawork Professionals and the Partners.
There are many ways to show professionalism during a shift besides being positive and helpful:
Absolutely NO drinking before, during or after the shift while on the premises.
No chewing gum or tobacco during the shift.
Avoid interacting with event guests. No dancing, singing, flirting with guests, etc.
Be respectful to your fellow co-workers. Avoid talking too much, dancing, singing and flirting with your fellow co-workers.
Negotiate the number of breaks and duration with your shift contact and stick to it.
Communicate when you need to excuse yourself for any reason (bathroom breaks, family emergency, etc). Over communicating is always better.
Avoid complaining or arguing with other workers or the shift contact. Show the best version of yourself every time.
Avoid cutting corners and do the work you’re being paid to do.
Please note that under no circumstance should you approach a partner regarding a rating that you received. It is considered unprofessional and can lead to suspension or deactivation of your account.
Remember that feedback is a gift that allows us to grow and be better. As Bill Gates said: “We all need people who will give us feedback. That’s how we improve.”