Why More Companies Are Turning to Fractional Executive Assistants
It’s easy to see the value of having an executive assistant (EA) to support your day-to-day operations, but many executives today don’t require full-time help. As companies evolve, the need for flexible, efficient support is rising, which is why more businesses are embracing fractional executive assistants to meet their leadership needs.
The rise in fractional work aligns with a broader trend in the workplace. In fact, 74% of executives are interested in doing fractional work themselves. The shift to remote work and the growing demand for work-life balance have made fractional roles even more appealing. Today, nearly 13% of full-time employees work from home, and 16% of companies operate entirely remotely.
In this environment, a fractional executive assistant offers a solution that not only saves time and money but also provides tailored support for the specific needs of modern businesses. Here’s everything you need to know about fractional EAs and whether one is right for your team.
What Is a Fractional Executive Assistant?
A fractional executive assistant (EA) works remotely on a part-time basis, handling the typical administrative tasks that a full-time assistant would, but only for the hours you need. These professionals often support multiple executives, allocating their time to various clients throughout the day or week.
At The Vantage, we’ve noticed more companies looking for a single EA to support multiple executives within the same team or department. This model offers flexibility without sacrificing the high-level support executives need.
It's important to note that fractional EAs are not the same as part-time workers or freelancers. Part-time employees typically work set hours, while fractional EAs have a more flexible schedule, adapting to the needs of the executives they support. Unlike freelancers, fractional EAs aren’t hired for short-term, project-based work; they provide ongoing support tailored to each client’s unique needs.
And fractional EAs aren’t limited to the C-suite. Any leader who needs administrative help—whether it’s for a few hours a day or just a couple of times a week—can benefit from a fractional EA.
How a Fractional Executive Assistant Can Benefit Your Business
A fractional executive assistant can significantly boost your productivity and streamline your workload. Many executives find themselves bogged down by administrative tasks, leaving little time for strategic, high-priority work. Tasks like managing emails, scheduling meetings, and handling paperwork can take valuable time away from core business functions.
Think of your workday as a limited number of hours. By delegating some of these tasks to a fractional EA—even for just a few hours a day—you can reclaim time to focus on the bigger picture.
But the benefits of hiring a fractional EA go beyond just time management:
Access to top talent: You can bring in highly skilled professionals that might be out of reach for a full-time hire. This could include specialized knowledge or administrative expertise that would otherwise be difficult to budget for in a traditional role.
Flexibility in time and cost: You can adjust the hours and workload of your fractional EA based on your immediate needs, which means you pay only for the support you require. There’s no need for long-term contracts or expensive benefit packages.
Faster onboarding: Avoid the lengthy hiring process. A fractional EA can be onboarded quickly and seamlessly, allowing you to get help almost immediately without long delays in recruitment.
Stability and continuity: With a fractional EA, you reduce the disruption that happens when full-time team members leave. Since fractional EAs often support multiple clients, the risk of turnover is lower, and your business remains more stable.
Fractional EAs can transform the way you operate by making your business more agile and adaptable to change. You get the flexibility to scale up or down based on your current needs, without the constraints of full-time contracts or the inefficiencies of project-based freelancers.
Making Fractional Work for You
If you think a fractional executive assistant might not make a significant impact, consider this: What would happen if you had just a few extra hours each day where someone else was taking care of the repetitive tasks that weigh you down? Could two hours spent on admin work be better used focusing on strategy, business growth, or creative problem-solving?
If the answer is yes, then fractional support could be exactly what you need. Here’s how to make sure it works for you:
Trust is key. The most important element of a successful relationship with a fractional EA is trust. You need to feel confident that your EA can handle tasks independently and manage the details without constant oversight.
Set clear expectations. While a fractional EA might only be working a few hours a day, they can be extremely productive if they know exactly what’s expected of them. Be clear about deliverables, timelines, and communication preferences to ensure they stay aligned with your goals.
Maintain open communication. How you delegate and communicate with your EA matters. If you only hand off simple tasks and hesitate to fully trust them with administrative work, you may not see the full benefits of having a fractional EA. Clear, regular communication is essential for a successful partnership.
Is a Fractional EA Right for You?
If you’re looking for a way to streamline your operations, boost productivity, and get immediate support without the long-term commitments of a full-time hire, a fractional executive assistant is the perfect solution. At The Vantage, we specialize in providing highly skilled fractional EAs that can help you reclaim your time, reduce costs, and drive your business forward.
If you're ready to explore the benefits of fractional support, get in touch with us today. We can connect you with the right talent and provide the flexibility your team needs to thrive.
