Getting Started on WorkWhile: Your Onboarding Guide
Welcome to WorkWhile! We're excited to have you. This guide walks you through everything you need to do to get set up so you can start picking up shifts and getting paid. It should only take a few minutes per step — let's get you going.
Before you start: Make sure you have the latest version of the WorkWhile app (version 2.61 or higher). You can update it in the App Store or Google Play.
Your Onboarding Checklist
Here's a quick look at everything you'll need to complete:
✅ Click your unique WorkWhile link from Ideal Flex Work
✅ Download the WorkWhile app
✅ Complete orientation
✅ Fill out your I-9 form
✅ Upload your identity documents
✅ Meet with an authorized representative (QR code step)
✅ Complete your tax and direct deposit info
✅ Complete your ID verification
✅ Complete your background check
Step 1 — Click Your Unique Link
You should have received a link from Ideal Flex Work via text, push notification, or in-app message. This link is unique to you — it connects your Ideal Flex Work account to your new WorkWhile account.
Tap the link, then enter your phone number on the page that loads. You'll receive a text with a download link for the WorkWhile app.
Step 2 — Download the WorkWhile App
Download the app using the link sent to your phone. Once installed, open it and complete registration. Your account will automatically be linked to your Ideal Flex Work history.
Step 3 — Complete Orientation
When you first open the app, you could be prompted to complete a short orientation. If you do not see this option that is okay. This document will have all of the necessary information.
If you run into any issues with getting into the app, please to support via the WorkWhile app or by emailing Support@WorkWhilejobs.com
Step 4 — Set Up Your W2 Account
After orientation, you'll see a "Welcome to WorkWhile" card at the top of your Home tab. Tap "Start W2 Onboarding" to begin. You'll need to complete this to work W2 shifts.
First, make sure your mailing address is up to date in the app. This is required to begin the W2 process.
Step 5 — Fill Out Your I-9 Form (Section 1)
You'll be asked to complete Section 1 of the I-9 form — a standard federal employment form. You'll enter your:
Full legal name
Date of birth
Mailing address
Social Security number
Work authorization status (e.g. U.S. citizen, permanent resident, etc.)
Step 6 — Upload Your Identity Documents
Next, you'll upload photos of your identity documents through a secure verification process. You'll need to provide one of the following:
Option A — One document from List A: U.S. Passport, U.S. Passport Card, Permanent Resident Card, Work Permit, etc.
Option B — One document from each:
List B: Driver's License or State ID
List C: Social Security Card or Birth Certificate
The app will guide you through taking photos of your documents and a selfie.
Tips for a successful upload:
Make sure your document is fully in frame and not cut off
Use good lighting — avoid dark or shadowy photos
Hold your phone steady to avoid blurry images
Make sure your documents are not expired
Don't have one of the listed documents? Tap the option to contact support directly in the app and our team will help you through an alternative upload process.
Step 7 — Meet with an Authorized Representative (QR Code Step)
Once your documents are uploaded, you'll need to meet in person with an authorized representative to verify your identity. This is a required part of the federal I-9 process.
Your authorized representative can be anyone with a smartphone — a friend, family member, neighbor, or coworker. They don't need to be affiliated with WorkWhile.
Here's how it works:
Open the WorkWhile app — you'll see a QR code on your screen
Have your authorized representative scan the QR code with their phone
They'll receive a text with a secure link to view and confirm your documents
Once they confirm, this step is complete!
A few important notes:
Your authorized representative must use a different phone number than yours
They cannot use a landline — they need to be able to receive a text
If your QR code expires before they scan it, just refresh the app to generate a new one
Screenshots of the QR code will not work.
You can do this virtually through Zoom, Google Meets, etc.
Having trouble with the QR code? If it's not working, please reach out to our support team through the app and we'll help resolve the issue quickly
Step 8 — Complete Your Tax & Direct Deposit Information
The next step is completing your tax withholding (W-4) and direct deposit information.
You'll need:
Your bank account and routing number for direct deposit
Basic information for your federal tax withholding form
Good news: Once your I-9 is complete, you can start accepting W2 shifts that are at least 48 hours away — even before you finish this step. Just make sure to complete it before your first shift starts.
Step 9 — Initiate your ID verification
This step is a requirement to confirm that you are you.
You'll need:
Your state issued ID or Driver’s license
Within the WorkWhile App click on the “Me” Tab
From the me tab click on the “Debit Card.”
**This step will initiate the ID verification process.
While it’s not required that you enter a debit card, entering this information will facilitate quick payment for 1099 shifts
Follow the instructions shown within the app.
Tips for a successful upload:
Make sure your document is fully in frame and not cut off
Use good lighting — avoid dark or shadowy photos
Hold your phone steady to avoid blurry images
Make sure your documents are not expired
Step 10 — Initiate Your Background Check
You'll also need to complete a background check before working shifts. Here's what to expect:
Under the “Jobs” tab, select any open shift that you are interested in working
Watch for an email from Yardstik — this is our background check provider. The email will come to the address on your account.
The subject line will reference WorkWhile, so keep an eye out for it
You don't need to do anything in the app for this step — just complete the process through the Yardstick link in your email
Please visit https://profile.yardstik.com/auth/sign-in for updates.
Don't see the email? Check your spam folder. If you still can't find it, contact our support team through the app.
When Can I Start Working?
Once all steps above are complete, you're fully onboarded and ready to go! You'll be able to browse available shifts, accept them directly in the app, and get paid for your work.
When does pay come? W2 shift pay is processed every Tuesday for shifts completed the prior week. Make sure your direct deposit information is set up so there are no delays.
For more questions regarding pay, please check our Payments FAQ by clicking here.
Not finding the answers you need?
Please visit the Dayforce / Ideal Transition FAQ by clicking here.