What to do when your work could not be completed

Overview

Sometimes work cannot be completed at a single visit — parts are missing, the site is not ready, the customer needs to make a decision, the scope was bigger than expected, or you have run out of time in the day. When that happens, do not mark the shift complete. Document what happened and hand back to the office team to schedule a return visit or follow up.

Who This Workflow Is For

The Tradie role on their own assigned shifts. Apprentices follow the same process. The Supervisor or Business Owner schedules return visits and follow-up work.

Before You Start

You are on site and have determined the work cannot be finished at this visit. Decide why — parts missing, return visit needed, client blocker, safety issue, or scope change.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Keep the shift open — do not mark it complete.
2. Tick the Shift To-Do items you did complete. Leave the ones you could not finish unticked.
3. Add a clear shift note describing:
   • What you completed at this visit.
   • What is left to do.
   • Why work could not be completed (parts, client decision, safety, time, scope).
   • Any parts, materials, or actions needed before a return visit.
   • See Add shift notes.
4. Upload photos of the current state — what is done and what is left — see Upload photos and evidence.
5. Clock out when you finish on site — see Clock in and out. Your time on site is still recorded against the shift even though the shift is not marked complete.
6. (Optional) Call or message your Supervisor directly if the issue is urgent.

What Happens Next

The Supervisor sees the incomplete shift on their Needs Your Attention list (overdue / not completed). They review your notes and photos, decide the next step, and either:

• Schedule a return visit — usually as another shift on the same job.
• Order the missing parts and schedule the return visit once they arrive.
• Update the client about the delay and book a new time.
• Adjust the job scope if the work is bigger than originally quoted.

Your time on site is still on the timesheet — submit at the end of the week as normal.

Common Issues

• Already marked the shift complete by mistake. Tell your Supervisor immediately — they can reopen the shift.
• Parts short. Add the specific part numbers and quantities in the shift note, and flag your Supervisor so they can order.
• Client not on site. Note this clearly. Photograph any access notice left and call your Supervisor.
• Safety stop. Stop work, leave the site safely, clock out, and add a shift note describing the safety issue. Call the Supervisor immediately.
• Scope larger than the quote. Document the scope change in the shift note and photograph. Your Supervisor or the Business Owner will handle requoting with the client.

Related Guides

• Add shift notes
• Upload photos and evidence
• Clock in and out
• Mark the shift complete
• Submit your timesheet