No-shows can throw off your entire event. When staff don't arrive, your team gets stretched, guests notice gaps, and the quality of the experience suffers. But most no-shows aren’t random - they happen when workers feel disconnected, unsupported, or unsure of what’s expected.

According to WorkWhile’s Flex Work Nation Report (2024), based on a survey of over 5,000 workers, the most effective way to reduce no-shows is to meet workers' needs by offering clear expectations, flexible scheduling, and timely pay. Here are five proven strategies based on that research.

1. Bring back workers you trust

The report shows that businesses using a repeat-first staffing model, filling shifts with workers who have successfully completed previous ones, see stronger attendance and performance. Companies that adopt this approach can achieve a 94 percent fill rate.

Key takeaway: Workers you know and trust are your most reliable option.

2. Pay quickly because it matters

Fast, predictable pay is one of the strongest drivers of shift acceptance and reliability. According to the report:

• 78 percent of workers say next-day pay is essential. 
• 56 percent say they would be more loyal with access to same-day pay.
• That number rises to 59 percent for workers with children.

When workers are confident they'll get paid quickly, they’re more likely to follow through.

Key takeaway: Timely pay builds trust and improves attendance.

3. Set clear expectations for every shift

Transparency drives trust. Flex talent are more likely to accept and show up for shifts when essential details, start time, responsibilities, pay, location, and cancellation policies are clearly communicated up front.

Flexibility also matters. While full flexibility isn’t always possible, giving talent the ability to cancel a shift when necessary resonates: 42 percent value that option, and 77 percent say having control over their schedule is a top priority.

Even when flexibility is limited, clarity never should be. Clearly outlining shift expectations is one of the simplest ways to build trust, reduce no-shows, and create a better experience for everyone.

Key takeaway: Clarity, transparency, and flexibility are essential to keeping workers committed.

4. Confirm shifts and send reminders

Reliable communication and thoughtful scheduling play a critical role in keeping workers engaged. When employees feel supported and well-informed before their shift begins, they’re more likely to show up on time, stay motivated, and deliver better performance. 

One simple but effective practice is sending shift confirmations and reminders, ideally 24 hours before and again 2 hours before the start time. These touchpoints help reinforce accountability, reduce last-minute confusion, and show workers that their time is valued. In a fast-paced environment, small steps like these can make a big difference in building trust and maintaining smooth operations.

Key takeaway: Regular communication helps ensure your workers arrive prepared and on time.

5. Track and prioritize consistent workers

Companies that invest in using data-driven insights to select the right workers, such as looking at worker reliability and past performance, tend to achieve stronger and more consistent outcomes. 

When organizations make an intentional effort to identify and prioritize high-performing workers, those individuals are more likely to feel valued and supported. This sense of recognition encourages them to return for future shifts and remain engaged over time. Prioritizing reliability and performance not only leads to better shift coverage and fewer disruptions but also contributes to building a more stable, dependable workforce over the long term.

Key takeaway: A focus on consistency creates a more dependable team over time.

Not able to implement these proven recommendations?

These strategies, such as tracking shift histories, sending timely reminders, and offering same-day pay, can be highly effective in improving attendance and reliability. However, putting them into practice requires technological know-how, operational capacity, planning, and the right systems in place. Not every organization has the resources or infrastructure to manage this internally.

WorkWhile offers a solution for companies that want the benefits of a structured approach without having to build it from scratch. The platform connects businesses with a vetted, high-reliability workforce, manages real-time shift confirmations and reminders, and supports same-day and next-day pay. For companies facing tight deadlines or large-scale staffing needs, WorkWhile helps improve outcomes: clients consistently reach fill rates between 90 and 94 percent, even for last-minute or high-volume shifts.

If you want reliable and flexible staffing without the heavy lift, WorkWhile is built to do it for you.

Learn more at www.workwhile.ai
Download the full report: Flex Work Nation PDF