You are NOT accepting a normal shift
When you sign up for Standby, you are agreeing to be available in case a last-minute shift is posted for that company. You are not booked to work yet.
Think of it as being "on call." If a shift opens up, you're ready to take it.
The most important rule
⚠️ Do NOT go to the work location when you sign up for Standby.
You should only travel to the work site after we send you a text message (SMS) telling you that you've been taken off Standby and assigned to a shift. Being on Standby does not mean you're expected onsite. Showing up before you're assigned can be very disruptive for the business — so please wait for our message. If you do arrive at the site without being assigned and are sent home, you will still receive the standby bonus, but no additional on-site time will be compensated. However, arriving at the site without being officially assigned can also lead to account action.
How Standby works
Sign up to be on Standby. You're agreeing to be available to work a shift if one is posted during the time that you’re on Standby.
Clock in to Standby. You’ll need to clock in to standby so that we know you’re ready to work a shift if one becomes available. You must also clock out at the end of the standby window to qualify for compensation.
Wait for our text message (SMS). If a regular shift opens up, we'll send you a text message (SMS) telling you you've been taken off Standby and assigned to a shift. That message will tell you to go to the shift location.
Only then, head to the shift. Do not go to the shift location before you get that message.
You'll get at least 90 minutes' notice. We won't assign you a shift that starts in less than 90 minutes, so you'll have time to wrap up whatever you're doing and travel to the site.
If you are unable to clock in for a standby shift, your hours can still be recorded manually. In such cases, the standby shift bonus will still be applied for eligible shifts. Please contact the WorkWhile Support Team through the app to confirm any manual adjustments.
If no shift opens up during the day, you'll be paid the Standby fee for staying available.
How you'll know if you've been assigned a shift
We will notify you.
You do not need to check the app over and over, and you should not go to the location to find out.
Until you receive a notification from us assigning you to a shift, there's nothing you need to do.
How you get paid
If a shift opens up while you're on Standby, we'll text message (SMS) you to go to that shift. You'll be paid for the shift after you work it, just like a normal shift. You will not also receive the Standby fee.
If no shift opens up, you'll be paid the Standby fee for being available for the day. This flat bonus applies regardless of the number of hours you were on standby. Payment is processed after the shift is completed in the system and may take time to appear. To view the exact standby pay amount for a specific shift, open the WorkWhile app, tap on your Standby Shift, and check the "Pay / Guaranteed Rate" section at the top of the shift card.- The standby bonus typically ranges between $20 and $30, but the exact amount may vary by employer.
Standby pay may appear under the label "Bonus" in the app. This is a system behavior and does not affect the actual payment.
If a standby shift is under review, the payment or bonus may not immediately appear in the app. Once the review is complete, the standby bonus will be included in your payout.
What you can do while on Standby
You can do other work or errands while on Standby — as long as it still lets you reach the work site within 90 minutes if you're assigned a shift.
Only sign up for Standby if you're confident you can get to the work site within 90 minutes during the Standby period.
What if I'm assigned a shift and can't make it?
If you're assigned a shift while on Standby and you don't show up, you'll receive a strike. Rejecting an automatic transfer to an active shift can also result in a strike on your account. Additionally, failing to attend after being transferred to an active shift may result in your account being blocked.
That's why you should only sign up for Standby if you'll genuinely be able to reach the work site within 90 minutes for the whole day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I go to the location when I start Standby? No. Never go to the work location just because you're on Standby. Only go once we text message (SMS) you to say you've been assigned to a shift.
What happens if I'm on Standby but never get assigned a shift? You're paid the Standby fee for being available that day, and you're done.
How much notice will I get before a shift? At least 90 minutes. We won't assign you a shift that starts in less than 90 minutes.
Can I take other work while I wait? Yes, as long as you can still reach the work site within 90 minutes if you're assigned.
How will I know if I've been assigned? We'll notify you. Don't do anything until you receive that notification.
Still have questions? Reach out to the WorkWhile Support Team through the app. What if I show up without being assigned? If you arrive at the site without being assigned and are sent home, you will still receive the standby bonus, but no additional on-site time will be compensated.What if I met all requirements but haven't received my standby pay? If you believe you met all requirements for standby pay but have not received it, gather relevant details (e.g., screenshots, clock-in status) and contact support for review.