Call it fractional, contract, or perma-lance, this new working structure is picking up steam in the marketing industry. We’re seeing more and more companies (and employees) freeze traditional hiring practices and turn to more flexible, modern solutions.
What is Fractional Marketing?
Fractional hiring, and fractional marketers have been around for quite a while, but since the pandemic the concept has really picked up traction. The term refers to employees working at a company on a contract basis, most commonly in intervals of 3, 6, or 9 months.
The fractional model for staffing is one that can offer some significant benefits to both an employer and an employee. It allows workers to have their cake and eat it too by offering a way for people to get the security and stability of a traditional, full-time job but still be able to work from home, or on location, and set their own hours.
Are Fractional Employees The Same As Freelancers?
Fractional employees act as devoted members of your team, different from freelancers who may be working on dozens of projects at once. With a fractional employee, you’ll get a dedicated partner who is interested in long-term results, not just short-term work.
Why Fractional vs. Full Time
Fractional employees provide the benefits of full time employees without the added costs. They are still independent contractors who handle their own insurance, benefits, equipment, etc. saving you money!
When running a lean operation, many businesses do not want to go through time consuming administrative work or pay out costly insurance benefits, which is why they are making use of fractional workers. Fractional workers will provide all their services as if they were working under your organization, yet you do not have to pay so much money.
How Much Does Fractional Hiring Cost?
The cost of fractional labor ranges depending on the project. For instance, if your project is small and doesn't require a lot of human resources, you can hire between 1-10 people to execute it for less than $1,000 per person. However, if your project is extensive or requires a more specialized skill set, you may want to budget around $5,000- $6,000 per person.
Companies we’ve worked with estimate that they save 20-40% when hiring fractional employees.
Is Fractional Hiring Right For Your Team?
For startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs, hiring a contingent workforce is often necessary. For larger companies and enterprises, fractional hiring may be the way to amplify your results, while keeping your bottom line.
Are There Any Downsides To Fractional Hiring?
Like any good thing, fractional hiring does have downsides. Contingent workers are often lower-paid than their full-time counterparts, and their contracts are not open-ended like full-time employees. If a better opportunity comes along, contingent workers may leave your company to work for another.