Following are some of the reasons for not seeing your booked shifts:
System or app delays where emails or notifications are not received in a timely manner.
Unmet shift requirements or preferences not being updated in the app.
Shifts being quickly booked by others or assigned specifically to certain workers.
Businesses may cancel shifts due to operational updates, such as staffing needs, or event schedule changes caused by weather disruptions.
Not confirming the shift on time. As a reminder all shifts must be confirmed at least 32 hours before the start of the shift.You will receive a notification on your app to confirm your shift and you have 16 hours from there to confirm. You can always confirm directly in the App by going into the shift section of the app, select my shifts, and then click on the appropriate shift and select confirm.
Ensure your device’s notification settings for the Instawork app are enabled to receive reminders about shift confirmation opportunities.
Regularly check the Shift Access section within the app to ensure all requirements for shift eligibility are completed.
Complete any required documentation, screenings, or background checks ahead of time to ensure your eligibility for shifts.
Always confirm attendance for upcoming shifts as early as possible to avoid the risk of automatic cancellations.
Shift cancellations can also occur when the Partner updates their operational requirements, such as reducing staffing needs or adjusting schedules due to unforeseen circumstances. You are encouraged to regularly use the 'My Shifts' section in the app to stay informed about current assignments.
Troubleshooting Notification Issues
If you’re not receiving notifications, try these troubleshooting steps:
Check that notifications for the Instawork app are enabled on your device.
Go to the Shift Access section in the app and ensure all requirements are completed.
Confirm your shift by accessing the "My Shifts" section and following the outlined steps.
These measures can help address common reasons for missed updates or notifications.
What happens if my shift is cancelled with under 24 hours notice?
Instawork's mission is to create economic opportunities for Professionals and Partners alike, and we understand the impact on a Professional’s livelihood when a Partner unexpectedly cancels a shift shortly before its start time. We also understand, however, that unique circumstances sometimes force a Partner to cancel at the last minute.
While the system matches you with shifts you're qualified for, Business Partners (the companies posting shifts) make the final decision based on their changing needs. Partners may cancel shifts or remove specific Professionals if their business requirements change. This can happen even if you were specifically requested for a shift, as Partners' operational needs may change unexpectedly.
To help bridge this gap, in many instances, Professionals whose shift is cancelled within 24 hours of the scheduled shift start time will receive up to 4 hours of pay at the scheduled shift’s standard rate. There are some situations in which Professionals may not receive compensation for a shift that is cancelled within 24 hours of the shift start time. For example, due to the nature of the work at their locations, some Partners have shorter cancellation windows. We encourage Professionals to carefully review shift postings, including shift requirements, for detailed information about the applicable cancellation policy.
There are specific scenarios where Professionals are not eligible for the 4-hour cancellation compensation. Examples include cases of:
Circumstances outside the Partner’s control (e.g., COVID-related cancellation or weather-related cancellation);
Work interruptions due to a Partner blocking the Professional within 24 hours of shift start time; and
If the scheduled shift is less than 4 hours and the Professional is entitled to compensation, the Professional’s payment will be capped at the number of hours scheduled (e.g., for a 3 hour shift, a Professional’s cancellation pay would be limited to 3 hours).
In all cases, Professionals whose shift is cancelled within 24 hours of its start time will not need to report to the shift location. For questions or to contest a cancellation decision, contact the Instawork support team through the app for clarification or appeal.
Note: The 4-hour minimum pay is conditional on partner cancellation or early send-home, does not trigger automatically, and requires Pros to submit disputes for adjustments, along with guidance on how to verify clock-out times and escalate disputes.