2021 HR Trends: The Growing Need for Fractional HR Leadership

2020 was an unprecedented year for the world, and no business industry of any type could escape its impacts. 2021 almost feels just as uncertain, but we see glimpses of normalcy on the horizon. As we approach the end of Q1, certain themes and trends are projected to take hold. In an article published by Recruiting Daily,  President of WorkSmart Systems, Inc.  Matt Thomas laid out six predictions for what would become HR trends in 2021. One of these six predictions was the growing need for fractional executive leadership. ​

What is Fractional Leadership?

A fractional executive’s role is to fulfill their management duties while on a flexible or part-time basis. This can range from a few days a week to a monthly basis, as needed by the organization. While the position may not be full time, the experience and decision-making of a traditional executive is still required for success. Depending on the situation of the organization, a fractional executive will have specific, timely priorities, often targeting key performance indicators (KPIs). 
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Serving as an ongoing member of the management team, a fractional executive provides a  hands-on approach to move the business forward, both financially and organizationally. Ideally, this position should free up other team members to focus on the areas in which they provide maximum respective value.
Recommended reading, ‘4 Reasons to Consider an Outsourced CFO.’

What are the Benefits of Fractional HR Leadership for Small-Midsize Organizations?

Fractional HR leadership tends to best benefit small to midsize organizations who require talented professionals to help them grow but who’s resources may be limited by either budget or staff capacity. Coupling this situation with an experienced fractional executive who understands the business, an organization can lean on the knowledge and guidance of a traditional executive leader while remaining within budget. 

A fractional HR Executive gets you:

• A long-term strategic viewpoint that keeps a business on track
• A knowledgeable professional willing to ask the tough questions
• An experienced eye looking for cost savings and profit improvements
• A mentor with definitive answers for human resource staff members

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As Summer Crenshaw, CEO of TalentNow, stated in the article, “The company gets the expertise of execs with less cost and helps prevent burnout for the executive grinding through the same problems daily. This trend that was accelerated by the pandemic will continue moving forward and begin trickling down throughout the company.” 
As we near the end of Q1, there is no better time to engage a fractional executive to propel your organization forward.

Lauber Fractional HR Solutions

Lauber specializes in providing leadership and guidance for small to midsize organizations amid stages of growth and change. Engaging with a Lauber fractional executive means tapping into our experience and proficiency in complex decision making. Our fractional executives are experienced in the core HR principles and practices. We’re not here to tell you what to do but to lead through action. We understand what it takes to help small to midsize organizations reach their goals. 
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If you have any questions regarding our Fractional HR or any of our other quality Lauber services, please do not hesitate to contact us today.

Additional Resources
Benefits & Value of Outsourcing HR
Strategic Growth Planning for Small-Midsize Businesses
[CASE STUDY] Organizational Leadership Challenges