Business & Strategy

How to Implement Flexible Work Policies

2 years ago

According to LinkedIn’s Global Talent Trends Report, 30% of job seekers have a strong preference for companies that have chosen to implement flexible work policies. For those less familiar, flex polices include everything from remote work and flexible schedules to job sharing and extended sabbaticals. As we noted in our post on the benefits of flexible work, companies chose to implement flexible policies because they can be good for both employees and employers. Employees are often healthier, more productive, and less stressed, and companies find they benefit from things like a broader talent pool and lower expenses. While there has been dramatic growth in the number of companies offering flexible work policies, it’s important to note that flexible workplaces rarely look the same. Every organization needs to understand its unique needs and craft its policies from there. Here are some best practices for how to implement flexible work policies in your company: Best Practices When You Implement Flexible Work Policies KNOW YOUR COMPANY’S NEEDS AND LIMITATIONS The flex work policies you choose to create will hinge on what type of company you run. For example, if your business requires extensive collaboration, you need to implement flex work policies that don’t hinder team dynamics. Perhaps that means you define certain non-optional office hours, or maybe you require everyone is accessible by phone during certain times of the day, or it could be that remote work just can’t be part of your offering. Think through your business operations and only implement flex work policies that are a strategic match. DEFINE ELIGIBILITY In a similar vein, it’s important to determine if all benefits can apply to all employees. Maybe you have an accounting department that can run efficiently outside normal business hours, but you need your legal team onsite. It’s also possible that eligibility is determined on a more individual basis, based on tenure or performance. CREATE OFFICIAL POLICIES Regardless of how many or how few policies you choose to implement, it’s absolutely critical that you take the time to write an official and comprehensive policy for your company. A policy helps to ensure that benefits aren’t determined by the whim of a manager, or abused by an associate. The policy should define the eligibility of employees, explain what type of flex work choices are available, and state expectations for performance and communication. We recommend you start simple and be clear. It’s also worthwhile to have your legal team review your plans to make sure any legal pitfalls are avoided, particularly around hours worked and eligibility for overtime. TRAIN MANAGERS AND EMPLOYEES In order to successfully implement flexible work polices, your entire company needs to be trained on the details of the policy. Both managers and employees need to understand expectations and the role each plays in success. For example, the specifics of communication method and frequency could vary, depending on the particular manager/employee combination. Make sure conversations around expectations occur so that everyone has as much information as they need. There should also be a plan in place for how to help resolve any conflicts or difficulties that arise. PROVIDE TOOLS AND RESOURCES While communication is always important, it is critical for success when you implement flexible work policies. In addition to email and phone, your company may also need to invest in other tools like an instant messaging service, video conferencing application, or an online meeting platform. It’s also important to define what tools the company will provide to remote employees and how they should be utilized. Can flex workers use company devices and networks for personal purposes? What systems need to be put in place to protect the organization’s proprietary data and intellectual property? HIRE ACCORDINGLY If you expect your employees will spend at least some portion of their time working remotely, be sure to hire someone who has the skills to handle such a scenario. Certain traits like being self-motivated, being good at time management, and having strong communication skills become more critical when employees are outside of a structured office environment. DEFINE AND EVALUATE SUCCESS As with any corporate program, it’s important to understand how if your flexible work policies are working. Are you getting the productivity and performance you expect? Are your employees experiencing benefits? Are you seeing better engagement and retention? Define what it looks like for you to successfully implement flexible work policies and then take the time to periodically evaluate how it’s going. Give your employees the information they need on how to ace a performance review so that you can ensure they are giving all they have to offer to your business. Closing Thoughts on How to Implement Flexible Work Policies Creating a flexible work environment in your company can help your business to grow. There are numerous flexible work options from choosing to let your employees work from home, to having a flexible schedule, to offering unlimited vacation. While there is no “one size fits all companies” solution, a thoughtful approach can improve employee satisfaction, which helps drive productivity and loyalty. Contact us if you want to know more about how to implement flexible work policies at your company. We’re happy to share what we do.

How to Implement Flexible Work Policies Image

As we noted in our post on the benefits of flexible work, companies chose to implement flexible policies because they can be good for both employees and employers. Employees are often healthier, more productive, and less stressed, and companies find they benefit from things like a broader talent pool and lower expenses.

While there has been dramatic growth in the number of companies offering flexible work policies, it’s important to note that flexible workplaces rarely look the same. Every organization needs to understand its unique needs and craft its policies from there. Here are some best practices for how to implement flexible work policies in your company:

Best Practices When You Implement Flexible Work Policies

Know your company’s needs and limitations

The flex work policies you choose to create will hinge on what type of company you run. For example, if your business requires extensive collaboration, you need to implement flex work policies that don’t hinder team dynamics. Perhaps that means you define certain non-optional office hours, or maybe you require everyone is accessible by phone during certain times of the day, or it could be that remote work just can’t be part of your offering. Think through your business operations and only implement flex work policies that are a strategic match.

Define eligibility

In a similar vein, it’s important to determine if all benefits can apply to all employees. Maybe you have an accounting department that can run efficiently outside normal business hours, but you need your legal team onsite. It’s also possible that eligibility is determined on a more individual basis, based on tenure or performance.

Create official policies

Regardless of how many or how few policies you choose to implement, it’s absolutely critical that you take the time to write an official and comprehensive policy for your company. A policy helps to ensure that benefits aren’t determined by the whim of a manager, or abused by an associate.

The policy should define the eligibility of employees, explain what type of flex work choices are available, and state expectations for performance and communication. We recommend you start simple and be clear. It’s also worthwhile to have your legal team review your plans to make sure any legal pitfalls are avoided, particularly around hours worked and eligibility for overtime.

Train managers and employees

In order to successfully implement flexible work polices, your entire company needs to be trained on the details of the policy. Both managers and employees need to understand expectations and the role each plays in success. For example, the specifics of communication method and frequency could vary, depending on the particular manager/employee combination. Make sure conversations around expectations occur so that everyone has as much information as they need. There should also be a plan in place for how to help resolve any conflicts or difficulties that arise.

Provide tools and resources

While communication is always important, it is critical for success when you implement flexible work policies. In addition to email and phone, your company may also need to invest in other tools like an instant messaging service, video conferencing application, or an online meeting platform.

It’s also important to define what tools the company will provide to remote employees and how they should be utilized. Can flex workers use company devices and networks for personal purposes? What systems need to be put in place to protect the organization’s proprietary data and intellectual property?

Hire accordingly

If you expect your employees will spend at least some portion of their time working remotely, be sure to hire someone who has the skills to handle such a scenario. Certain traits like being self-motivated, being good at time management, and having strong communication skills become more critical when employees are outside of a structured office environment.

Define and evaluate success

As with any corporate program, it’s important to understand how if your flexible work policies are working. Are you getting the productivity and performance you expect? Are your employees experiencing benefits? Are you seeing better engagement and retention? Define what it looks like for you to successfully implement flexible work policies and then take the time to periodically evaluate how it’s going. Give your employees the information they need on how to ace a performance review so that you can ensure they are giving all they have to offer to your business.

Closing Thoughts on How to Implement Flexible Work Policies

Creating a flexible work environment in your company can help your business to grow. There are numerous flexible work options from choosing to let your employees work from home, to having a flexible schedule, to offering unlimited vacation. While there is no “one size fits all companies” solution, a thoughtful approach can improve employee satisfaction, which helps drive productivity and loyalty.

Contact us if you want to know more about how to implement flexible work policies at your company. We’re happy to share what we do.

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Where Markets Reveal Opportunity

Market shifts expose where digital solutions matter most. Housing slowdowns reveal gaps in lending and closing processes. Security breaches point to teams needing better tools. Travel industry price wars show the limits of dated booking systems. Climate pressures push power grids toward smarter solutions.

The pandemic proved organizations can change rapidly when they have to. That capability didn’t disappear; we just need to channel it deliberately.

Elements That Work

Some companies build better digital products by starting with two questions: What exactly needs fixing? What tools already exist in the marketplace?

Infrastructure That Scales

Modern platforms need to handle multiple brands and integrate with existing systems. But complexity doesn’t have to mean confusion. The best solutions grow naturally with your business.

Data That Shapes Decisions

Raw numbers rarely tell the full story. Context transforms data into insight. Successful companies identify which metrics actually influence customer behavior and business outcomes, then act on those patterns.

Customer Experience That Fits

Good digital tools match existing workflows. Great ones remove friction while preserving what works. Understanding how users actually spend their days—their routines, shortcuts, and pain points—reveals where technology can help most.

Real Results in Action

FNF: Clearing the Path in Real Estate

FNF began with a question: What slows property deals? Their inHere platform answered by:

Reaching 76% adoption in 18 months
Boosting team capacity
Unifying multiple brands
Giving customers more control

Yoürs: Making Home Ownership Accessible

While FNF streamlined existing processes, Yoürs spotted a gap: young professionals watching home ownership drift out of reach. Their platform will connect potential co-owners. Their recent acceptance into TechVenture Accelerator Boulder suggests they’ve found an underserved market.

Common Threads in Successful Projects

Our work with hundreds of companies reveals patterns in successful digital projects. Five elements stand out:

1. Platform Clarity

Technical choices flow from strategy. Successful platforms connect methodically across brands and grow incrementally. Simple interfaces outlast complex ones.

2. Security by Design

For companies like FNF, security transforms the business model itself. When protection and verification weave through every interaction, trust becomes measurable. FNF achieved 80% fraud reduction, which opened new possibilities for the entire industry.

3. Design Through Understanding

Multiple perspectives build better products. Direct observation shows what users do. Interviews reveal why they do it. Usage data confirms patterns. Regular feedback catches gaps. Both FNF and Yoürs prove that deep user understanding leads to rapid adoption.

4. Teams That Talk

Problems surface faster in open conversations. Cross-department collaboration speeds solutions. Progress needs measurement, but not micromanagement.

5. Partnership That Grow

The right partners multiply capabilities. Skills complement. Knowledge flows both ways. Time strengthens these bonds.

Start Where You Are

Digital transformation doesn’t require massive budgets or complete overhauls. Start with one clear problem. Test solutions quickly. Listen to users. Let your team adapt. Find partners who understand your goals.

At InspiringApps, we help companies take these first focused steps. Want to explore what makes sense for your business? Let’s talk.

Business & Strategy

Custom Application Solutions Decoded: The B2B Decision-Maker’s Guide

Is your off-the-shelf B2B software holding you back? Growing companies may find themselves at a crossroads, realizing their tools are not the launchpad they truly need. But while the stakes are high, the choice doesn’t have to be. Your B2B business processes are unique, and your software should reflect that. Here’s how. Understanding Custom Solutions in B2B Products Let’s break it down: custom application solutions are tailor-made software designed to solve specific business challenges. Unlike off-the-shelf products, which are built to cover general needs, custom solutions are designed with your unique workflows, systems, and goals in mind. There are two main types of custom solutions: Full Custom Applications: Built from scratch, these applications are crafted specifically for your business, often designed to solve a single, complex problem or to address multiple needs in one tool. Customized Off-the-Shelf Applications: Sometimes, a base application can be modified to better fit your needs, adding custom features to enhance its functionality. Many B2B companies find themselves at a crossroads when their annual revenue hits the $5-10 million mark or when they’re experiencing 20%+ year-over-year growth. At this stage, the limitations of off-the-shelf solutions become glaringly apparent, and the need for custom applications becomes critical for continued scalability and efficiency. Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf: Making the Right Choice Sticking with ill-fitting off-the-shelf solutions can have serious consequences. Companies risk losing market share to more agile competitors, experiencing data silos that hinder decision-making, and facing increased operational costs due to inefficiencies. By contrast, companies using custom software solutions can increase employee productivity compared to those relying solely on off-the-shelf options. Flexibility Custom Solutions: Offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing for modifications as your business evolves. You can design them to adapt to your unique processes rather than forcing you to adapt to the software. Off-the-Shelf: Typically has a fixed set of features with limited customization options. While updates may occur, they’re based on general market needs, not your specific requirements. Integration Custom Solutions: Can be custom-built to integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack, ensuring smooth data flow and process continuity across your organization. Off-the-Shelf: May offer integration options, but these are often limited and may require additional middleware or compromises in your workflow. Cost Custom Solutions: While initial development costs are higher, custom solutions can offer lower long-term costs due to reduced licensing fees, better efficiency, and lower training and support needs. Off-the-Shelf: Lower upfront costs, but ongoing licensing fees, the potential need for multiple solutions to meet all requirements, and costs associated with adapting processes can add up over time. Speed Custom Solutions: Development time can be longer, but the solution is ready to use immediately upon completion without adaptations. Off-the-Shelf: Quicker to implement initially, but time spent on workarounds, training, and adapting processes can extend the effective implementation time. Capabilities Custom Solutions: Provide a unique tool tailored to your competitive strategy, potentially offering capabilities your competitors don’t have. Off-the-Shelf: While they can improve efficiency, they don’t offer a distinct competitive advantage as they’re available to all. Maintenance Custom Solutions: Require a dedicated support team, in-house or from your development partner. This team will have deep knowledge of your specific solution. Off-the-Shelf: Offer standardized support, which can be extensive but may not always address your specific needs or use cases. Where Custom Application Solutions Shine Sometimes, the features you need just don’t exist in off-the-shelf products. Building something tailored ensures you get exactly what your business requires. Wondering if it’s time to make the leap? If you find yourself bending over backward to make existing tools work, a custom solution might save you time (and sanity). When off-the-shelf solutions just don’t cut it, it’s time to go custom. Here are the scenarios where custom applications really shine. Complex, Industry-Specific Workflows Consider a B2B logistics company with a proprietary routing algorithm or a SaaS provider with a unique customer onboarding process. Generic software often can’t adequately support these distinctive workflows. Custom solutions can embed these unique processes directly into the software, turning them from operational challenges into competitive advantages. High-Security Environments When you’re dealing with sensitive information or high-value transactions, security isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. Custom applications allow you to build the exact security measures you need, ensuring that your data—and your client’s—stays safe. Custom solutions let you sleep easy at night in environments where trust is everything. Rapid Scaling & Frequent Pivots Fast-growing businesses don’t have time to wait for off-the-shelf software to catch up. Whether you’re scaling from startup to enterprise or pivoting to meet a market shift, custom solutions grow with you. Instead of wrestling with rigid tools, you’ll have a system designed to adapt as you expand so you can focus on the big picture. Integration-Heavy Tech Stacks Businesses relying on a wide array of tools need their systems to work together seamlessly. Custom applications make integrating with legacy systems, third-party tools, or other mission-critical software easy. The result? A fully connected, optimized tech stack that improves efficiency across the board. Innovation-Driven Business Models If innovation is at the core of your business, you need a custom solution that lets you stand out. Whether you’re digitizing a customer experience or introducing other industry-disrupting products, custom applications give you the flexibility to experiment and push boundaries—because the last thing an innovative company needs is software holding them back. Case Study in Custom Applications: A B2B SaaS Scalability Dilemma Imagine you’re the product owner at a hypothetical B2B SaaS company experiencing rapid growth. Your current off-the-shelf CRM and project management tools were great initially, but now they’re struggling to keep up. Here’s how custom software could help in this scenario: Workflow Integration: Operations require seamless data flow between departments. With custom solutions, workflows can be streamlined, boosting team productivity. Scalability: As the company scales, so can its software. There will be no more clunky workarounds or limitations—just a system that grows with the company. Security: Custom security measures help prevent vulnerabilities, reducing risks during expansion into new markets. Don’t wait until your tools become bottlenecks. If you’re starting to feel the pinch as you grow, it’s time to think custom. Practical Thinking Take a moment to assess your current software setup. Are you struggling with limitations, inefficiencies, or security concerns? If so, it might be time to consider a custom solution. It may be helpful to list the specific pain points you’re experiencing and how a tailored application could solve them. Best Practices for Managing Custom Application Projects to the Finish Line Ensuring smooth sailing through a custom project requires the right methodologies and communication. Here’s how to keep things on track: 1. Agile Methodologies Agile methodologies are perfect for custom applications because they allow for iteration and flexibility. By breaking the project into smaller sprints, you can adjust based on stakeholder feedback and user testing, ensuring the final product aligns perfectly with your goals. 2. Effective Communication Between Product & Development Teams Communication is everything in custom application delivery. Regular check-ins between product owners and development teams can help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure the product timeline stays on track. Tools like collaborative platforms help bridge gaps and keep everyone informed. The more open the communication, the fewer surprises down the road. 3. Risk Management & Mitigation Strategies No project is without risk, but anticipating challenges early can save you a lot of pain later. From budget overruns to missed deadlines, having a clear risk management plan will allow you to tackle problems before they derail the entire project. Concluding Thoughts: Custom Applications as Strategic Assets In the “sassy” world of B2B SaaS, standing out from the competition is no easy feat. Off-the-shelf solutions might get you started, but they don’t always carry you to the finish line. Custom applications reflect unique B2B processes and drive long-term success. How? By tailoring workflows to your specific needs, seamlessly integrating with your existing tech stack, scaling alongside your business growth, and embedding your proprietary processes directly into your software. Think about where your business is headed in 2025. What challenges will you face, and what tools will you need to overcome them? If your tech setup can’t answer those questions, it may be time to explore custom application solutions. The companies that win aren’t just the ones with the best ideas—they’re the ones with the right tools to make those ideas a reality.

3 months ago

Your B2B business processes are unique, and your software should reflect that. Here’s how.

Understanding Custom Solutions in B2B Products

Let’s break it down: custom application solutions are tailor-made software designed to solve specific business challenges. Unlike off-the-shelf products, which are built to cover general needs, custom solutions are designed with your unique workflows, systems, and goals in mind.

There are two main types of custom solutions:

Full Custom Applications: Built from scratch, these applications are crafted specifically for your business, often designed to solve a single, complex problem or to address multiple needs in one tool.
Customized Off-the-Shelf Applications: Sometimes, a base application can be modified to better fit your needs, adding custom features to enhance its functionality.

Many B2B companies find themselves at a crossroads when their annual revenue hits the $5-10 million mark or when they’re experiencing 20%+ year-over-year growth. At this stage, the limitations of off-the-shelf solutions become glaringly apparent, and the need for custom applications becomes critical for continued scalability and efficiency.

Custom vs. Off-the-Shelf: Making the Right Choice

Sticking with ill-fitting off-the-shelf solutions can have serious consequences. Companies risk losing market share to more agile competitors, experiencing data silos that hinder decision-making, and facing increased operational costs due to inefficiencies. By contrast, companies using custom software solutions can increase employee productivity compared to those relying solely on off-the-shelf options.

Flexibility

Custom Solutions: Offer unparalleled flexibility, allowing for modifications as your business evolves. You can design them to adapt to your unique processes rather than forcing you to adapt to the software.
Off-the-Shelf: Typically has a fixed set of features with limited customization options. While updates may occur, they’re based on general market needs, not your specific requirements.

Integration

Custom Solutions: Can be custom-built to integrate seamlessly with your existing tech stack, ensuring smooth data flow and process continuity across your organization.
Off-the-Shelf: May offer integration options, but these are often limited and may require additional middleware or compromises in your workflow.

Cost

Custom Solutions: While initial development costs are higher, custom solutions can offer lower long-term costs due to reduced licensing fees, better efficiency, and lower training and support needs.
Off-the-Shelf: Lower upfront costs, but ongoing licensing fees, the potential need for multiple solutions to meet all requirements, and costs associated with adapting processes can add up over time.

Speed

Custom Solutions: Development time can be longer, but the solution is ready to use immediately upon completion without adaptations.
Off-the-Shelf: Quicker to implement initially, but time spent on workarounds, training, and adapting processes can extend the effective implementation time.

Capabilities

Custom Solutions: Provide a unique tool tailored to your competitive strategy, potentially offering capabilities your competitors don’t have.
Off-the-Shelf: While they can improve efficiency, they don’t offer a distinct competitive advantage as they’re available to all.

Maintenance

Custom Solutions: Require a dedicated support team, in-house or from your development partner. This team will have deep knowledge of your specific solution.
Off-the-Shelf: Offer standardized support, which can be extensive but may not always address your specific needs or use cases.

Where Custom Application Solutions Shine

Sometimes, the features you need just don’t exist in off-the-shelf products. Building something tailored ensures you get exactly what your business requires.

Wondering if it’s time to make the leap? If you find yourself bending over backward to make existing tools work, a custom solution might save you time (and sanity).

When off-the-shelf solutions just don’t cut it, it’s time to go custom. Here are the scenarios where custom applications really shine.

Complex, Industry-Specific Workflows

Consider a B2B logistics company with a proprietary routing algorithm or a SaaS provider with a unique customer onboarding process. Generic software often can’t adequately support these distinctive workflows. Custom solutions can embed these unique processes directly into the software, turning them from operational challenges into competitive advantages.

High-Security Environments

When you’re dealing with sensitive information or high-value transactions, security isn’t just a feature—it’s a necessity. Custom applications allow you to build the exact security measures you need, ensuring that your data—and your client’s—stays safe. Custom solutions let you sleep easy at night in environments where trust is everything.

Rapid Scaling & Frequent Pivots

Fast-growing businesses don’t have time to wait for off-the-shelf software to catch up. Whether you’re scaling from startup to enterprise or pivoting to meet a market shift, custom solutions grow with you. Instead of wrestling with rigid tools, you’ll have a system designed to adapt as you expand so you can focus on the big picture.

Integration-Heavy Tech Stacks

Businesses relying on a wide array of tools need their systems to work together seamlessly. Custom applications make integrating with legacy systems, third-party tools, or other mission-critical software easy. The result? A fully connected, optimized tech stack that improves efficiency across the board.

Innovation-Driven Business Models

If innovation is at the core of your business, you need a custom solution that lets you stand out. Whether you’re digitizing a customer experience or introducing other industry-disrupting products, custom applications give you the flexibility to experiment and push boundaries—because the last thing an innovative company needs is software holding them back.

Case Study in Custom Applications: A B2B SaaS Scalability Dilemma

Imagine you’re the product owner at a hypothetical B2B SaaS company experiencing rapid growth. Your current off-the-shelf CRM and project management tools were great initially, but now they’re struggling to keep up. Here’s how custom software could help in this scenario:

Workflow Integration: Operations require seamless data flow between departments. With custom solutions, workflows can be streamlined, boosting team productivity.
Scalability: As the company scales, so can its software. There will be no more clunky workarounds or limitations—just a system that grows with the company.
Security: Custom security measures help prevent vulnerabilities, reducing risks during expansion into new markets.

Don’t wait until your tools become bottlenecks. If you’re starting to feel the pinch as you grow, it’s time to think custom.

Practical Thinking

Take a moment to assess your current software setup. Are you struggling with limitations, inefficiencies, or security concerns? If so, it might be time to consider a custom solution. It may be helpful to list the specific pain points you’re experiencing and how a tailored application could solve them.

Best Practices for Managing Custom Application Projects to the Finish Line

Ensuring smooth sailing through a custom project requires the right methodologies and communication. Here’s how to keep things on track:

1. Agile Methodologies

Agile methodologies are perfect for custom applications because they allow for iteration and flexibility. By breaking the project into smaller sprints, you can adjust based on stakeholder feedback and user testing, ensuring the final product aligns perfectly with your goals.

2. Effective Communication Between Product & Development Teams

Communication is everything in custom application delivery. Regular check-ins between product owners and development teams can help mitigate misunderstandings and ensure the product timeline stays on track. Tools like collaborative platforms help bridge gaps and keep everyone informed.

The more open the communication, the fewer surprises down the road.

3. Risk Management & Mitigation Strategies

No project is without risk, but anticipating challenges early can save you a lot of pain later. From budget overruns to missed deadlines, having a clear risk management plan will allow you to tackle problems before they derail the entire project.

Concluding Thoughts: Custom Applications as Strategic Assets

In the “sassy” world of B2B SaaS, standing out from the competition is no easy feat. Off-the-shelf solutions might get you started, but they don’t always carry you to the finish line. Custom applications reflect unique B2B processes and drive long-term success. How? By tailoring workflows to your specific needs, seamlessly integrating with your existing tech stack, scaling alongside your business growth, and embedding your proprietary processes directly into your software.

Think about where your business is headed in 2025. What challenges will you face, and what tools will you need to overcome them? If your tech setup can’t answer those questions, it may be time to explore custom application solutions. The companies that win aren’t just the ones with the best ideas—they’re the ones with the right tools to make those ideas a reality.

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