The working world is changing.
The working world is changing rapidly. The pace of change within the last 4 years has been exponential, and resulted in macroeconomic shifts of microeconomic processes, decisions, and ultimately, talent strategies.
Remote work acceleration following COVID, the explosion of AI and automation with the likes of OpenAI’s Chat GPT, and generally the increase in digital transformation and adoption globally, including third-world countries.
In light of this, talent management is evolving, fast. Enter the fractional talent strategy – a game-changer for modern businesses. This approach boosts agility and cost-efficiency, perfectly aligning with the dynamic needs of today's businesses.
What is a fractional talent strategy?
Fractional teams offer companies a flexible, cost-effective solution to tap into specialised digital talent as needed. Rather than hiring full-time staff for every role, companies can leverage agencies or freelancers to fill gaps, allowing for part-time or project-based work that perfectly aligns with their specific needs.
Traditionally, fractional has been focussed on C-suite positions. However, it can equally be implemented across other senior and skill-specific requirements, by blending a level of consultancy with hands-on support and execution.
How are startups, small and medium sized businesses benefiting from fractional strategies in the UK?
Fractional talent is proving to be a flexible and cost-effective solution for UK startups and companies.
Core benefits include:
- Flexibility and Know-How: Fractional talent can easily adapt to what your business needs and bring in expertise you might not have.
- Saving Money: Companies can cut costs by 20% to 40% compared to hiring full-time positions.
- High-Level Help: Get top-notch strategic advice without the big expense of a full-time resources.
- Well-Respected: The startup scene already values fractional talent, especially for businesses looking to grow their digital skills and stay ahead of the curve when it comes to the latest software and strategies.
Can fractional be used as a hybrid talent strategy for startups and SMBs?
Absolutely. And it should!
This is precisely how Rafiki Work’s structures its team, and how we’ve helped the majority of clients we service on an ongoing basis. We believe a core, very lean team, should be propped up and augmented by specialised external expertise as and when your team or business requires. Scaling your team up, or down, to meet project, client, or other internal process needs, is the ideal way to stay efficient. It’s also a great way to test a working relationship with a potential candidate on a part-time basis over the course of a few months, or even a year, before being able to warrant their full-time position in your business.
If you’re interested in finding out more, we’d love to explore how we might add value to your business journey.
FAQs:
Why choose fractional hiring over other agencies or full-time employees?
Fractional isn’t for every use-case, and should only be considered when it makes strategic sense for your business. We’re happy to have an open conversation around this to explore what it is you think you need. We’ve helped various startups and SMBs benefit from highly skilled talent without the full-time commitment, along with a solution to hiring pop-up teams on demand. By utilising a fractional approach, you can scale resources up and down on demand to manage fluctuating business or project needs risk accordingly. A low-cost, longer-term commitment to us creates higher-value outcomes and a robust approach to your workforce and business growth.
How does Rafiki vet talent?
We take a 3 stage approach to vetting talent. Following an application, we invite top prospects for an interview, assessing skills, experience, and career aspirations. At times, we request certain KYC documents. We prioritise skill over traditional degrees, work experience, and cross-check with any testimonials available to accept expert, high-intent talent.
What roles or skills do you cover?
Currently our core strengths and focus areas are Product Designers, Creative Strategists, Digital Marketers, and Low-Code Web Developers. We also cover Full-Stack Development, Growth and Performance Marketing and Social Media support. Further support in Sales Development, Strategy Consulting, and a multitude of additional verticals can be provided through our extended talent network, or by our exclusive partners.
How is my project or team managed?
Our fully managed service takes a traditional agency approach when it comes to end to end management of workflows, outcomes, and product management. Where we differ slightly, is in our ability to consistently adjust the team on your project in an efficient manner, ensuring your needs are met on a continuously adjusted, needs-basis.
For a more direct-talent approach, without the need for Rafiki Consultancy, Project Management or end-to-end support from our internal team, Rafiki X offers flexible options we're able to fascinate.