Fractional HR leadership vs HR consulting

Often I’m asked, what’s the difference between fractional a fractional HR leader and an HR consultant. Though the answer can be nuanced, both a fractional HR leader and an HR consultant possess knowledge, experience and expertise in HR, but the capacity that they partner with the organization drives the distinction.

Fractional HR typically refers to a leader who provides ongoing HR support to a company—acting as a hands-on advisor, setting people strategy for a set duration of time. During the client engagement the fractional HR leader might take on and manage work in a variety of people-related areas including recruitment, compensation strategy, employee relations, performance management and HR compliance. Fractional HR leadership is often used by small to mid-sized businesses that do not yet have the budget or workload to justify a full-time HR team, but are experiencing a mounting list of HR projects that need attention.

On the other hand, an HR consultant is usually an external expert who is hired by a company on a project-by-project basis to provide specialized advice and guidance on specific HR issues. This may include areas such as HRIS or ATS implementation, performance management cases or launching a singular people program.

In it’s most basic form, fractional HR leadership provides ongoing HR support, while an HR consultant provides specialized HR advice and guidance on a project-by-project basis. Both can be useful depending on the business need.

Interested in learning more about if fractional HR leadership is the right fit for your business? Check out the services offered or let’s find some time to chat.