You may notice some Professionals labeled as “Backup Pros” on your upcoming shifts. These backup Professionals serve as a contingency in case others can’t make it due to unforeseen circumstances.
To maximize the chances your shifts are filled, Instawork may add backup Professionals to your shift. These Professionals understand they’re booked as backup and may be sent home if not needed.
Managing Backups
In the shift details page, backups are listed in a separate section titled ‘Paid backup Pros’
If you need backup Pros to work, click "Add to shift" and you’ll pay them the same hourly rate as the other Professionals.
Have the Pro clock in and out of the shift as usual.
You will be charged for the time these backup Professionals work with the same hourly rate as the other Professionals on the shift.
If the backup Pros are not needed, click "Send home" and provide a reason. Instawork will still pay them, so you can send them home without concern.
Billing
You only pay for backup(s) if you keep them to work the shift. You will pay them the same hourly rate as the other Pros on the shift and you will only be charged for the hours they work.
If a backup Pro is sent home, Instawork pays them.
Note: Backups who are sent home becasue they arrived late, don't meet requirements, or refuse to work will be sent home without pay.
FAQs
What do I do if all my scheduled Pros showed up and I don't need the backup?
If you decide you don't need the backup Pro and want to send them home, you won’t be charged—Instawork will still pay them for 4 hours as long as they meet all the shift requirements. Backup Professionals understand they may be sent home if the shift is fully staffed.
Step 1: Let the backup Professional know they’re being sent home because the shift is full
Step 2: On the shift details page, click "Send home" next to their photo.
What do I do if all my scheduled Pros showed up and I still need a backup Pro to work?
We get it, needs change at the last minute. If all the scheduled Pros show up and you still think you need more hands, you can add the backup Pro to the shift and have them work. You will be charged only for the hours that Pro works.
Can I send any Pro home at no charge if I have backups?
No. Only backup Pros can be sent home for no charge. If you send home a scheduled Pro, you may incur a cancellation fee. To avoid unnecessary charges, always send home backup Pros first if you have more workers than needed. Learn more about sending home scheduled Pros here.
What happens if the paid backup Professionals were not a good fit for the shift?
If a paid backup Professional arrives late, is dressed incorrectly, doesn’t meet shift requirements, or refuses to work, you can click “Send home” next to their photo.
You will not be charged, and the Professional may not receive any pay.
For any issues, including questions about compensation, ask the Professional to contact Instawork support.