A fractional Human Resources professional can transform a business’s HR system without the cost of a full-time hire. Learn exactly what fractional HR entails, and evaluate whether it’s right for your business goals.
Fractional Human Resources can benefit many organizations, from growing businesses without a dedicated HR leader to large teams preparing for a merger or acquisition. Below, we explore fractional HR services, with case studies that demonstrate how they can elevate your business.
Learn how MEA’s fractional HR leadership can help in key business scenarios.
What Is Fractional HR?
Fractional HR gives businesses access to a high-impact HR leader who guides talent strategy, leadership development, succession planning, and more, all tailored to the business’s stage of growth. It also focuses on the day-to-day requirements of the Human Resources function. Think of fractional Human Resources as having a part-time HR director on your team, serving as a strategic partner rather than a temporary solution that helps with ad hoc tasks.
What Is The Difference Between HR Consulting And HR Outsourcing?
HR Consulting typically provides expert advice on specific challenges or projects, like developing a performance management system or navigating a compliance issue. Consultants diagnose problems and recommend solutions, but implementation often falls back to your internal team.
HR Outsourcing transfers specific HR tasks or functions entirely to an external provider. This might include payroll processing, benefits administration, or recruiting support. While this relieves your team of tactical work, it doesn’t typically include strategic HR leadership.
Fractional HR embeds a senior HR leader into your organization on a part-time basis, providing ongoing strategic guidance while also handling implementation. Think of it as having an experienced HR executive on your team, without the full-time cost.
The MEA Difference: We combine the best of all three approaches. You get a senior-level fractional HR leader who operates as part of your executive team, backed by our full-service team that handles day-to-day operational HR tasks. This means you receive both strategic direction and tactical execution; a true partnership model that scales with your business.
Examples Of Fractional HR
Real-world examples help illustrate the practical value of fractional HR services. The following MEA fractional HR case studies demonstrate how fractional HR adapts to different industries and business needs.
Marketing Agency
A small marketing agency in Lancaster, PA, hired MEA fractional HR services to help scale their business. Before working with MEA, the agency employed 16 full-time staff and 15 contractors. Over the next four years, they doubled their workforce and achieved critical growth milestones. MEA’s services contributed to increased operational efficiency and facilitated a smooth transition to a larger office space.
Event Rental Company
Event rental companies often struggle with seasonal fluctuations that can make staffing and retention difficult. A company in New Jersey hired MEA to help. Together, we created the company’s first official employee handbook and standardized hiring, onboarding, and performance management policies and procedures. This support helped streamline processes, reduce administrative burdens, and allow employees to focus on delivering excellent service to their clients.
Commercial And Residential Realty Group
After years of working with disjointed outsourcing services, a family-owned real estate company decided to try MEA fractional HR instead. With a dedicated HR leader, they gained consistency and continuity. MEA led an initiative to analyze work orders and align employees’ skill sets accordingly. This led to better workforce planning, with a shift toward hiring specialized employees rather than general service workers. As a result, staffing strategies were optimized to better meet business demands.
Benefits Of Fractional HR
Fractional Human Resources is an effective solution for businesses that need professional HR support without the high overhead costs of full-time HR. A fractional Human Resources service is a flexible, scalable alternative to a full-time HR executive. Its advantages include:
- Cost savings: You get senior-level HR expertise without the full-time cost. This is especially beneficial for growing businesses that do not yet have sufficient revenue to hire a full-time HR leader.
- Flexibility: A fractional HR leader may be able to adapt to your organization’s changing needs fast because they can work flexible hours for your organization.
- Access to senior-level HR expertise: Fractional HR professionals are senior-level experts with decades of experience and proven results. This can help you navigate complex HR functions.
- Scalability: As your business grows, a strong HR team is vital for maintaining compliance, employee retention, and a positive company culture.
Discover How MEA’s Fractional HR Services Will Transform Your Business
An external HR professional can bring a fresh perspective and fill specific knowledge or skill gaps to your business. Whether you are preparing for expansion or wanting to optimize your HR operations, MEA can help.
We provide embedded, senior-level HR leadership that balances strategic people planning with hands-on execution. MEA can support workforce strategy, compliance, leadership development, and day-to-day HR operations without the cost of a full-time HR executive. Our fractional HR services are backed by MEA’s broader team of employment law and HR experts. And unlike most HR consulting firms, our fractional HR consultants are W2 employees of MEA, vs. 1099. Our consultants are dedicated and focused solely on MEA clients.
